Community kindness puts Vernon back on the road
Jeremy and Carter Griffin are pictured with Vernon Grandpre and the new e-bike they presented him. The bike came courtesy of community kindness donations after Grandpre's scooter was stolen.
A Brandon man has experienced the unexpected kindness of a community.
Last week, the Journal reported on the theft of Vernon Grandpre’s gas-powered scooter. The scooter was taken from the grounds of the apartment complex he lives at in Brandon.
This week, we’re elated to report on how the kindness of others has outfitted Vernon with a new set of wheels, an e-bike.
The e-bike was presented to Grandpre last Wednesday.
“Vernon was all smiles this morning when Jeremy and Carter Griffith delivered his new electric bike, trailer, helmet and locks,” Carin Griffith posted on the Buddies & Co. Facebook page. “He was so appreciative! Never doubt that good people can outshine the not-so-good!”
Within a matter of days, I learned that enough in donations had been collected on Vernon’s behalf.
Vernon’s good news was shared a day after the Journal had gone to press, so unforunately, we were unable to share the happy ending to his story until now.
It should come as no surprise to any of us, that when someone we know – and many times don’t – this community steps up time and time again turn someone’s frown upside down.
I’ve seen it happen multiple times in multiple ways, and I’m sure it will continue to happen multiple times and in multiple ways.
Sometimes, it’s just a simple compliment – “You look nice today” or “I love the sweater you’re wearing today,” that can make someone’s day.
Sometimes it’s a pat on the back for a job well done, a hand held to calm fears or a smile to let someone know that everything’s going to be alright.
While the gift of an e-bike is more than a simple smile, or opening a door for womeone, I imagine his smile was as wide as one can get when he was handed “the keys.”
