A viral video making the rounds this week is so heartwarming, it will help restore your faith in humanity.
Though this particular video was shot in Southern California, it’s based on a sight that’s all too common throughout the nation: a homeless person stationed along a highway entrance, asking for whatever money strangers are willing to donate. One local filmmaker wanted to see just what would happen if he gave one such person $100.
So Josh Lin Parker recently headed out to an onramp to the 91 freeway in Anaheim, and approached a man named Thomas. Parker’s plan was to hand over the $100 bill, and then secretly follow the man to witness— and videotape— what happened next.
And what happened next shocked the filmmaker.
“I wasn't expecting to get this kind of footage... to be honest, I thought this video would be more an exposing homeless people video at first. But I'm so glad that I could witness and capture such a beautiful moment. This has to be one of the most amazing experience so far on this channel. I did not only just help a homeless man, but I actually met an incredible human being and a friend. We were following him for a couple miles for almost an hour or so. Later that day we took him out to eat and got him a hotel to stay. The more I talk to him, the more I sense how genuine he is.... I gave him my number and told him to call me when he needs help. This again proof that not all the homeless people are bad people. Never judge a book by its cover." One love! :) posted on YouTube.
In the video, Thomas is seen taking the money to a nearby liquor store, and coming out with a few full bags. He then heads over to a nearby park— and starts pulling out food to share with complete strangers.
“... I’m so glad that I could witness and capture such a beautiful moment,” Parker writes.
When he saw what the homeless man did, Parker decided to reveal what was really going on, and pointed out the camera.
“I feel I owe you an apology,” Parker says to the man. “You went to a liquor store earlier...”
“Oh, you thought I was going to get all smacked up drunk, huh?” Thomas asks.
That’s when the man explains the series of unfortunate events that landed him where he is today, and how it makes him happy to share what little he has.
After striking up an unlikely friendship with Thomas, and seeing the tremendous response to his video (it’s received nearly 12 million views since it was posted Monday), Parker started an Indiegogo campaign to help get the man back on his feet. More than $62,000 had been raised by Wednesday morning.
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