7 ways the people of Manchester gave us hope for humanity

May 23, 2017

[Image credit: Instagram]

Residents of Manchester, UK are banding together after the tragic bombing that occurred outside of an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena on Monday. The attack reportedly killed 22 people and injured 59 others.

A heartening display of human kindness over senseless terror, many are doing everything they can to help others in this time of fear. From businesses staying open extra hours to vigilant citizens locating missing concertgoers on Twitter, these acts of compassion are a welcome encouragement for those affected.

Here are seven ways the people in Manchester are offering hope in the face of disaster.

Helping those who help others
The Soupreme Sandwich Co. in Manchester stayed open overnight to feed emergency workers on the scene. “I want people to spread the word and let them know that they can stop in and have a brew, or even take it away. Hopefully my message will get through to the people who have not had a brew or a break all night,” the store manager told BuzzFeed.

#Manchester the wonderful staff at @SoupremeC are offering hot food & comfort to police & ambulance staff @gmpolice pic.twitter.com/q5yjkyK7z0

— jenny (@jennyamygreen93) May 23, 2017

Using social media for good
Social media came into play in a big way in the aftermath of the explosion. People used Twitter to locate lost concertgoers, and Facebook activated the app's “Safety Check” feature in Manchester.

Social media can do some great things. #manchester #prayformanchaster pic.twitter.com/VqCp8OJAVV

— Saraniya (@saznaz93) May 23, 2017

Offering free rides
Many taxi drivers near Manchester Arena turned off their meters when assisting concertgoers fleeing the site of the bombing, offering quick and free transportation to those in need.

Men like AJ. Working his taxi free of charge through the night in Manchester. A beautiful soul. pic.twitter.com/0QG9Z2bxY9

— Jason Michael (@Jeggit) May 23, 2017

Housing the affected
The #RoomForManchester hashtag helped people offer accommodations to those who couldn't get home. Area hotels reportedly also offered free rooms.

@MENnewsdesk I have a sofa, floor, blankets and tea, 5 minutes from Arena for anyone in need #RoomForManchester

— Rebecca Topham (@rebeccatophamx) May 23, 2017

Donating blood
So many people volunteered for blood donations after Monday's attack that England's National Health Service tweeted they had “all the blood required.”

In response to last night's tragic incident in #Manchester – we have all the blood required for hospital patients at the present time. pic.twitter.com/moaYhzUMg7

— GiveBlood NHS ❤ (@GiveBloodNHS) May 23, 2017

Phone charging stations
A nearby cell phone store offered a free, convenient place to charge up for those in Manchester still seeking a missing friend or family member.

If anyone in Manchester is looking for a loved one and needs to charge their phone, or use a phone, please use any EE store you find.

— EE (@EE) May 23, 2017

City solidarity
Manchester City Council said the city would pull together in wake of the violence: “We will not allow this to divide us. As citizens of Manchester demonstrated last night, as they came out to give support to people whatever their needs, this city will pull together and we will make sure we demonstrate that defiance and the city will go on from strength to strength.”

Statement from Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, on Manchester Arena explosion https://t.co/O5xG6tWRxE

— Mcr City Council (@ManCityCouncil) May 23, 2017

Let us know what acts of kindness you've picked up on in the comments.

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