Vancouver, Canada – The mother of a teen with severe autism was granted a random act of kindness when a stranger purchased a new bicycle for her son after seeing her impassioned pleas for its return on the news.
According to Stephanie Phillips, her son Tyriq had enjoyed daily bike rides in Pandora Park up until Wednesday when it was stolen. The teen was confronted yet unable to adequately defend himself due to being only partially verbal.
For Tyriq, who also suffers from Tourette’s Syndrome and ADHD, his bike rides were “ a source of joy”. It enabled the teenager to experience the independence that he may not have had otherwise due to his disabilities.
The incident media garnered media attention and after seeing Stephanie issue her plea asking for the bike’s return, Dennis Wong was motivated to take action. He explains the reason for his altruism saying:
“I just came home and saw the news story at what happened to him and I just can’t believe some people in this world.”
Inspired by their benefactor’s thoughtful gesture, Stephanie is granting a random act of kindness of her own. She has asked that any further donations from the public intended for her son instead be given to local charities.
Read the full story by Amy Judd in Global News Toronto website here.