Two years ago, on a winter day when it was snowing, Martin Dugas, executive director of Edmonton’s Ronald McDonald House, noticed a man struggling to unload a snowblower from the back of his truck.
Dugas offered to help, and in so doing he witnessed a moment of kindness he hasn’t forgotten.
“I was amazed by what I experienced,” Dugas said.
There wasn’t much snow falling that day, but there was a lot more on the way, as Dugas remembers it. He wasn’t sure what the gentleman with the snowblower was doing, just that he looked like he needed help.
“He said, ‘Well there’s a snowstorm coming so I came in from St. Albert to shovel the sidewalks of Ronald McDonald House. I just have to make sure it’s done and get back to work,’” Dugas recalled.
“The inspiration behind it … I think I was just reeling in shock.”
That man cleared the sidewalks outside the house, which offers housing to families who have children receiving medical treatment. Then he left. And Dugas never got his name.
“He didn’t answer a single question about himself. He was unassuming,” said Dugas.
On March 25, Coun. Wes Brodhead was at Ronald McDonald House helping prepare a home-cooked meal for the families staying there when Dugas related the story to him.
During Tuesday’s council meeting, Brodhead decided to share the story with the rest of council in the hopes of learning this man’s identity.
“I already know St. Albert residents are a caring group and they volunteer more than anyone I know, and yet it was another example that this is a great community,” Brodhead said.
Dugas said he didn’t recognize the man as someone who had used the house’s services at some point. Considering the house is located just south of central Edmonton, it was by no means a quick drive.
Dugas hadn’t asked anyone to come nor had he received an advance phone call that someone would be coming.
“I didn’t recognize him at all. We know our neighbours around here. I live three blocks away and this is somebody who needs to get to somewhere else,” Dugas said.
He still tells that story to people who come on tours, about how this one anonymous man’s selfless actions stood out in a house that serves the same purpose – of charity and kindness to those in need.
“I was amazed by the kindness of the community and I’m in awe of what he did.”
Dugas hopes this man will make himself known so that Ronald McDonald House can properly thank him for what he did that blustery day.
“I would love to find out who he was so we can thank him and give him a tour if possible.”
