After four years of struggling to survive on the streets, Adam Gillan had given up hope.
“I thought that was it,” says Adam. “Never to see my family again.”
Until one day while rummaging through a dumpster in Edmonton, he found a picture of Bambi.
“I just thought maybe I could get some medication for it,” Adam says.
So Adam sold it to an antique shop for $20.
“And I just went on my way.”
But Bambi’s buyer, Alex Archbold of Curiosity Inc. – discovered it was an original animation from the Disney film, and sold it for about $3,600.
“And I just wouldn’t feel right keeping that much money,” Alex says.
So he began to search the streets for Adam.
“The problem is,” says Alex. “I don’t know where to find him.”
But after two weeks of daily searches, he succeeded. And he gave Adam half the money.
“Are you kidding?” Adam says after being surprised with the envelope full of money.
“I’m not kidding,” Alex laughs.
“Holy cow!” Adam responds in shock.
The other half of the money was spent on a hotel, food and clothes for Adam before Alex started a GoFundMe that raised almost $18,000 for him.
“To have nothing for years and then have someone help you was amazing,” says Adam.
While the generosity felt incredible, the reality of returning home to face his family felt unbearable.
“I was just afraid people would judge me for being homeless,” Adam says.
But with Alex’s support, Adam found the courage to face his fears and board a train home to London, Ontario.
“I gave it some momentum,” says Alex. “But (Adam) was the one who maintained himself.”
Now, four years later, Adam is still doing the work – and thriving. He says he is sober and healthy, present in his children’s lives and running his own growing drywall business.
“I love doing (the work),” smiles Adam. “Bringing life to old houses.”
As if inspired to rebuild his life and move on, Adam says his business plan involves helping others do the same.
“People like me who might be afraid to ask for help,” says Adam.
Adam hopes to repay the kindness of a stranger he now calls “brother” who saved his life.
“The whole Bambi thing,” says Adam. “It’s kind of a miracle.”
Despite living half a country away from each other, Adam and Alex visited and spoke regularly. It’s a lasting relationship that Alex hopes will inspire others.
“There are thousands of people like (Adam) out there,” Alex says. “When people are put back into a supportive environment, they are capable of anything.”
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