Ambrosia Star

Today was a terribly nice day. Not in the way that it’s terrible, but more in the way that it’s now 11 pm and over and I’m going to miss it.

I am a member of the Canon photography forums. I’ve been a member on there for a bit but am socially awkward, even when it comes to the internet, so I’ve hardly said a word on there.

Last week there was a post made on there from a guy named BucketMan. He was heartbroken. Last fall he had spent 950 on a used lens only to find out that it was stolen property and he had to return the lens and pay for shipping. Not only would he be out a lens, he would be out 1,000 since he had to pay express shipping to the detective’s offices., plus the original purchase of the lens.

He posted on the forums saying that he loved the lens and he hopes that whoever had the lens stolen treats it as well as he did once they get it back. And that was it. He just wanted to share his story.

I read this post last night and thought, “Wow… that would suck. I just spent 300 on a lens that I’ll be eating more modestly because of, and this is three times that price. The agony!!”

Well, last night around the same time that I saw the story, another thread was started by a guy on the boards named Derek. He linked to the original post (which you can see here if you’re a member of the forums) and asked what can be done for BucketMan.  A donation was set up to try and replace his lens. I thought it was nice, and went to bed. This was about 6 hours ago.

This morning I woke up and checked on the thread. I thought about donating some but needed to wait until my check  was deposited to do so, so I thought I’d see how much had been raised.

In 6 hours, not only was the goal of 1,800 (the cost of a new equivalent lens) met, but it was surpassed!

In a matter of 6 hours, enough people donated their small amounts to a complete stranger and bought him a brand new lens.

I am completely astounded by everyone’s willingness to help someone out so quickly. 10 minutes after the donation thread was started there was already 60 dollars in the bucket, donated by people who had an extra 5 bucks or so to spare for this poor guy.

I don’t know what else to say besides wow.

I’m in love.