America loves the underdog and the deserving poor

From Michigan Man Receives New Car, Ditches 21 mile walk by Amy Miller.

Last week, the Detroit Free Press ran a story about a man named James Robertson. For the past ten years, 56 year-old James has dealt with a 21 mile commute back and forth between Detroit, Michigan and a factory in Rochester Hills.

21 miles doesn’t seem like such a big deal—unless, of course, you don’t have a car or available public transportation. When James’ car died a decade ago, he kept going to work; only now, he had to walk.

James’ situation began to catch the attention of the community after the Free Press went to print; since then, his story has taken on a life of its own. A complete stranger started a GoFundMe account with the intent of raising a couple thousand dollars towards a “beater” car to help lessen James’ burden.

Touched by this fellow's plight, strangers have raised $340,000 for James Robertson.

Supporters used some of the proceeds from the account to surprise James with a new car (and it’s definitely not a beater—it’s a new Ford Taurus!)