A little early for a feel-good Christmas story, but after one mobile service truck operator had his vehicle and top-of-the-line mobile welding unit stolen, strangers have helped restore his faith in people donating $4,700 to a GoFundMe block in less than a week.
Andy Lee of Portland, Oregon is a welder who specializes in on-site work. One month ago, before going on a road trip, he disconnected the starter on his truck.
However, thieves still managed to tow his vehicle and the welder unit away. Although police later recovered the vehicle, his gear was not found.
He said the welding unit is a diesel engine-driven machine and was key to his private business.
Disheartened that his livelihood was taken away from him, friends suggested he set up the GoFundMe page—though reluctant to do even that. However, the kindness of strangers has been a blessing for his psyche.
Although still short of the $16,000 required to replace the welding unit—the remaining monies not covered by his insurance provider—Lee is at least optimistic that there is a lot of good in people and hopes to get back onto the service truck road soon enough.