An anonymous homeless man in his 60s found a bundle of cash in the sum of $2,400 on a street in Langford, British Columbia, on June 15, 2015, which he could have pocketed and used to solve his financial woes. But instead, he did the unthinkable. He walked straight to the local detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and handed over every penny. The sum was first reported to be over $2,000, but was later confirmed to be $2,400.
Officers noted that such honesty is rare, especially given the man’s own circumstances. “This is an incredible display of honesty and selflessness,” said Constable Alex Bérubé of the West Shore RCMP.
Almost immediately, the story spread. A community-organized fundraiser by Mike Kelly of Victoria Buzz on behalf of the man quickly gained traction. Within hours it had reached its initial goal of $2,400, prompting more people across Canada to chip in. Donations then climbed past $5,000.
Police worked to track down the man — a difficult task, given that he had no fixed address or phone. But on June 22, Bérubé finally located him and delivered the news: strangers had rallied to support him. What happened next surprised many.
Rather than accept the money, the man asked the officer of “how to donate it to Our Place and other food service providers for people in need.” Officers who felt he was making a huge mistake then gave him yet another chance to take time — overnight — to consider the offer. The next day he returned and stuck to his decision. He said what he really wanted was a job.
Mike Kelly who had earlier set up the fundraiser, decided to honor the man’s wish and ensured the money raised reached the right groups, and immediately started helping the man find work. He described the man as someone facing many challenges, but who still did the right thing for a stranger he’d never meet. He promised “to do everything (he) can to help find him a job that fits his personal situation, and will hopefully move him closer to overcoming his current challenges.”
Meanwhile, the original owner of the lost cash was identified and recovered the money after officials verified his identity.
The homeless man asked to remain anonymous, and the public respect for his privacy has been maintained ever since then.
