Some people who are living on the streets are looking for a hand up instead of a handout. That was the case when a group of London roofers came across a man named John who was living on a park bench in London.
It started with a gesture of kindness and a cup of tea.
“We started a new job in London on a high road this week where this homeless man called John was living on a beach in the local park,” said Murray of Empire UPVC & Roofing Specialist. “We brought him a cup of tea early in the morning and offered him to come and help the next day.”
The roofers decided that they would do him one better than just giving him a handout. They offered him a way that he could help himself and asked if he wanted to work with them the next day.
John enthusiastically agreed and said that $20 should be able to get him through the week. And he was up bright and early to start work.
“He was first on site and worked non-stop, I have never seen anyone so happy to be at work! Got him Burger King for lunch and set him back on his way around London,” Murray said.
The roofers grew so fond of their new friend that they took him out for lunch.
“Got him Burger King for lunch and set him back on his way around London,” Murray explained. “He said £15 ($19.20) will be fine, that this would get him through the week but the boys had a whip round and he set off £70 ($89.61) at 1 l o’clock and asked when he could come back.”
Murray said his encounter with John a big lesson in gratitude for him.
“His gratitude was a real eye opener,” he said. “Keep going John. Got to be something good around the corner. Nobody willing to work should be living on the streets.”
The encounter also had an emotional impact on John.
“‘Thanks brothers its the most love I’ve ever had,’ he told us..,” Murray said.
Murray’s Facebook post quickly went viral and received more than 25,000 likes and 5,000 shares. Many of the 2,000 comments applauded the roofers for their efforts, as well as John for wanting to work for his money.
“Great story,” one Facebook commenter said. “Hope there are others out there who read it and act as you have done!!”
“Wonderful you were both able to help each other out,” said another.
You can check out Murray’s Facebook post below:
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