Helen Sidney holds just some of the awards she's received for community service over the years.

(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - There’s a lot of doom and gloom out there in the world, but these stories are a reminder that there’s an awful lot of kindness, compassion and happiness too.

From an old box of mystery keepsakes finding its way home, to a farmer using his turban to rescue a drowning woman, these stories are a testament to just how wonderful our communities, and the people who call them home, truly are.

These are stories about conquering odds, lending a hand to those in need, and spreading a little hope and inspiration one good deed at a time.

We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

There was the septic sucker from Salmon Arm who retrieved a woman’s engagement ring three years after her son flushed it down the toilet.

Jacob Starnyski presents the long-lost jewelry to Dani's mom, Donna.

Image Credit: Contributed

You can’t forget this spry Vernon senior who spends two hours a day picking up roadside garbage and waving to passersby.

We also heard about Kamloops skateboarder Brett Devloo who went blind at 16 but didn’t let it stop him from doing what he loved. 

(ASHLEY LEGASSIC / iNFOnews.ca)

Speaking of conquering odds, this Vernon cashier touched all our hearts with her story of making customers smile without ever saying a word.

We all love a little mystery, and it’s even better when there’s a happy ending to go with it. This Vernon man wouldn’t rest until an old box of keepsakes was returned to its rightful owner. 

Nothing warms the heart like a little romance, and the way this long distance love story from Kelowna plays out will have you reaching for a Kleenex. 

Kelowna resident Tyson Noel and his girlfriend Mikki Miller of Minnesota are inspiring the world with their long distance relationship.

Image Credit: Facebook

On the topic of love, who doesn’t love a good proposal story? This story promises all kinds of warm feelings.

Like proposals, good deeds done by kids are pretty heartwarming too — particularly when they come with adorable handwritten notes.

There were a number of local heroes this year as well, like the Kamloops area farmer who used his turban to rescue a drowning woman.

Avtar Hothi pulled a girl to safety after neighbours alerted him that she was drowning in the Thompson River.

(ASHLEY LEGASSIC / iNFOnews.ca)

There were people who went out of their way to help others, like this Vernon cop who pushed a woman’s car out of harm’s way.

Others rallied to help victims of a devastating wildfire in Fort McMurray in unique and heartfelt ways.

Finally, if you're looking for a little joy while at the hospital, just listen for the chimes.

If you know of a heartwarming story in your community, we'd love to hear about it. Contact our newsroom at news@infonews.ca.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston or call 250-309-5230 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2016