It was June 2011 and the last week of Stanley Cup playoffs in Vancouver, British Columbia. I made the trip down in hopes of a great celebration.

My hotel was located on Granville St. in downtown Vancouver. Each day I would be out walking for 12+ hours, seeing many people with signs asking for help. I knew I couldnt help them all, and that was starting to really upset me.

Then I saw this quiet looking man sitting in a wheel chair two blocks from my hotel. He had no sign. In fact he didnt even beg for money. He just sat there quietly with a hat on the ground in front of him. Nobody even looked at him. The first time I walked by, I dropped in $2 and gave him a smile. He thanked me and I continued on my way.

I walked from my hotel about six times back and forth and each time I dropped money into his hat, usually just the change in my pockets. After the second day he said 'Oh my God. I can't believe it's you again! Thank you so much' and I continued on my way after smiling at him again.

Finally, it was the day before I had to return home. I knew I probably wouldn't get a chance to see him again so as I walked by him with about five huge bags in my hands from shopping, I decided to stop and talk to him.

I figured he deserved at least that much. I said hello and tried to shake his hand, only to find out he couldnt even move it. It was sad to see this guy like that.

I told him I knew I wouldnt see him again so I handed him a $20 bill. He tried to refuse it. Can you imagine that?! Desperate for money, but already so grateful, he was willing to turn it down.

I pointed to my bags and told him I already had enough and to please take the money. As I stood and talked to him, I could see every person walking by looking at me with disgust, looking at him with disgust. Not one single person dropped in a penny for the entire fifteen minutes I chatted with him.

He then said, "I want you to know, you've changed my life. Every time you gave me more money, it brought tears to my eyes. You may not think the money you gave me could make such a huge difference, but it has. I am eating better and even sleeping better because I am not as worried. You need to know you've made a difference. I wont ever forget you."

I think about this man almost everyday, concerned about how he's doing. I remember what he said and it makes me happy. I gave him probably about $60 throughout the week.

To me, that isn't that much money. But to him, it changed his life. Even if only for a week.

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by Ms. Jordan McAthy
Prince Rupert, BC, Canada
http://7billionactions.org/story/1104-ready-for-change