One Act of Kindness Raises R1.5 Million for Sydney

What started with one stranger pushing a man through a Cape Town storm has now raised more than R1.5 million for Sydney, the man at the centre of one of South Africa’s most emotional viral stories this week.

Chad Nathan, known online as Ginger With a GoPro, first met Sydney while running along the Sea Point promenade during heavy rain.

Sydney was alone in his wheelchair, trying to make it back to the Pavilion bus stop where he had been sleeping.

“I knew there was no way I could just leave him there to do it alone,” Chad wrote in a Facebook post that has now touched thousands of South Africans online.

“It broke me”

According to Chad, he pushed Sydney nearly 4km through the rain and wind.

“And honestly… it broke me,” he shared.

“After 4km, my arms were finished. My whole body was aching.”

The experience gave Chad a new appreciation for people who care for loved ones in wheelchairs every day.

But it was Sydney’s personal story that left many South Africans heartbroken.

According to Chad, Sydney was knocked over by a car in Sea Point around five years ago and has since been left disabled and homeless.

He claims Sydney never received compensation from the Road Accident Fund following the accident.

One of Sydney’s legs has already been amputated, while doctors are reportedly scheduled to amputate his second leg later this month at Somerset Hospital.

“He doesn’t even have a phone. His bag is falling apart. His rain jacket doesn’t keep the rain out anymore,” Chad wrote.

“Everything he owns fits into that wheelchair.”

But what affected him most was Sydney’s reaction after someone finally stopped to help.

“The way he looked at me when I helped him… almost like he couldn’t believe someone stopped.”

South Africans respond in a massive way

After Chad shared the story through his Raising Hope initiative, support began pouring in from across South Africa.

Within days, donations on BackaBuddy had passed R1.5 million, with thousands of people contributing towards helping Sydney rebuild his life.

The campaign has also attracted support from businesses and charities wanting to assist.

Chad later confirmed that:

• The Sweethearts Foundation and Aquazania are helping provide a customised electric wheelchair
• Cape Union Mart donated warm clothing
• and Sydney is temporarily staying with family ahead of his upcoming surgery

“Our uncle Sydney is safe. He is smiling ear to ear, but is super overwhelmed,” Chad shared in a later update.

“From being invisible one day to becoming a local celebrity the next day was a lot.”

“Costs nothing to be kind”

As the story continues spreading online, many South Africans have praised the campaign as a reminder that small acts of kindness still matter.

“I hope this has sparked something in all of you,” Chad wrote.

“Costs nothing to be kind.”

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