14:24, 15 May 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
With Mental Health Awareness Week coming to an end, it's only right we cover a philanthropist that is taking a great approach to fostering positive mindsets for the youth, Teddy Droseros.
Teddy is the Founder and CEO of Grateful Peoples , a youth-focused nonprofit that focuses on improving mental health through gratitude. Inspired by his own experiences witnessing the power of small acts of generosity, Teddy launched Grateful Peoples to create a global movement of positivity.
He wanted a space where people could celebrate everyday heroes, highlight uplifting stories, and encourage others to take action. Under his leadership, the initiative has grown into a widely recognised platform that not only shares inspiring content but also motivates communities to make kindness a daily practice — and even a book
The launch of Grateful People’s Gratitude Journal, encourages people to reflect on and celebrate the positive moments in their lives. The book invites readers to record acts of kindness, personal achievements, and things they are thankful for, making gratitude a daily practice. The nonprofit notes that over 24,000 gratitude journals have been donated to schools.
By combining thoughtful prompts with inspirational stories, the Gratitude Journal aligns with Teddy’s mission at Grateful Peoples to cultivate a culture of positivity and connection across communities.
Beyond highlighting kindness, Teddy actively participates in programs that support education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. He gets involved, ensuring his contributions create real, tangible change. His hands-on approach is a hallmark of his work and sets an example for others looking to make a meaningful difference.
Teddy is proving that philanthropy is more than charity. It is leadership, creativity, and heart. Through initiatives like Grateful Peoples, he is building a legacy that inspires others to celebrate kindness, take action, and create positive change in their communities.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Grateful Peoples. Founded by Teddy Droseros, this initiative celebrates acts of kindness and encourages communities to make gratitude a daily practice. Learn more here.
Smiley Movement. This is the philanthropic venture sponsored by Smiley. The CIC believes in the power of hope and the strength of optimism and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Discover their work here.
Action for Happiness. Focused on making mental health support more accessible for Black individuals and families, this charity connects people with free therapy sessions and works to challenge inequalities within mental healthcare. Find out more here.
This positive news article aligns with the UN SDG Partnerships For the Goals.
