Advertisement

Homeless man insists thousands of dollars raised for him go to charity instead

By Marilyn Malara
A note featured on the GoFundMe page initially launched to help a homeless man who turned in lost cash. The man, who wished to remain unnamed, asked that the thousands of dollars raised for him instead goes to charity. Photo by Mike Kelly/GoFundMe
A note featured on the GoFundMe page initially launched to help a homeless man who turned in lost cash. The man, who wished to remain unnamed, asked that the thousands of dollars raised for him instead goes to charity. Photo by Mike Kelly/GoFundMe

Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter

VICTORIA, British Columbia, July 2 (UPI) -- An unnamed homeless man who returned over $2,000 in lost cash to authorities has decidedly turned down a separate $5,000 donation, insisting that it goes to charity.

After hearing of the man's initially recognized deed, Victoria local Mike Kelly decided to launch a GoFundMe page in his honor, raising thousands of dollars from citizens throughout Canada. This prompted Constable Alex Berube to begin looking for the intended recipient.

Advertisement

"After hearing this story and seeing how this case touched so many people, I took a personal interest in finding this man, looking for him everywhere while on and off shift," Berube said in a Royal Canadian Mounted Police press release.

"I finally caught up to him on Monday and told him about the fundraising organized by Mike Kelly of Victoria Buzz, and that he had thousands of dollars waiting for him," he went on. "His response surprised me yet again, when instead of asking how to collect it, he asked me how to donate it to Our Place and other food service providers for people in need."

Advertisement

Police asked the man to take an extra night to think about accepting the private donation and return the next day. When he did, he reportedly remained steadfast in his decision to donate the funds. Instead of money, he asked for a job.

The press release confirms that Kelly has been made aware of the homeless man's decision and will continue raising money via the crowdfunding page for the purpose of giving to charity. As for the employment request, Victoria Buzz has asked for any employers in the area to contact them via email at [email protected] or visit their website.

Latest Headlines