08 February 2023 , 16:39
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A grandma who returned $15,000 (£12,500) she found in a plastic bag outside a petrol station has been left gobsmacked after her good deed was rewarded by the kindness of strangers.
Dianne Gordon, 65, had been left walking the three miles each way to and from her job at VC Fresh Marketplace after her car broke down about a year ago.
It was on one of these winter walks though the ice and snow she found the money in a plastic bag alongside a bunch of wedding cards.
The grandma, from White Lake Township, Michigan, US, said: “I was taught if it doesn’t belong to you, you don’t keep it."
She didn't hesitate getting in touch with the authorities to find the rightful owners of the bag.
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Dianne found the bag outside a petrol station (WXYZ)White Lake Police Lt. Matthew Ivory, told WJBK : “It never really crossed her mind to do anything other than turn it over."
Using the names on the wedding cards, police were able to track down the newlywed couple.
But Dianne's good deed didn't go un-noticed.
When the wife of the police officer who took Dianne's call heard about her actions, she set up a fundraiser to help the good samaritan out.
Dianne works in a local deli (WXYZ)Stacy Connell told the Washington Post: “As a police officer’s wife, I typically hear the bad things, so this was obviously heartwarming.
“I was hoping we could help her get a car since she could have walked into any dealership and used that money.”
People inspired by Dianne's selflessness donated and soon more than $78,000 had been raised.
Dianne with her new car (Fox 2 Detroit)According to the fundraiser: "She self admittedly 'needed the money' and 'it would be life-changing' for her, but that she didn’t think twice about not turning it in."
The money was spent getting Dianne a new car with any extra money spent going towards car insurance and any other maintenance costs.
Dianne said: “I never expected anything like this.
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“I am overwhelmed. I was just doing what I was taught to do.”
Dianne handing the found bag in at the petrol station (WXYZ)She is excited to drive to see her grandkids compete in sporting events and also to avoid the long walk to work each day.
Dianne told WXYZ: “My grandson is 13 and he plays hockey. And my granddaughter is 11 and she does gymnastics, and I haven’t seen her play or do gymnastics yet. So that’s going to be very important that I get to see her do that.
“It means the world to me. I miss them so much.”