Good Samaritan Returns Lost Wallet with $600 to Grateful Nanaimo Man

A man from Nanaimo, British Columbia, expressed profound gratitude towards a Good Samaritan who returned his lost wallet containing $600. The incident, which took place on July 22, 2023, not only highlights an act of kindness but also serves as a reminder of the good that can be found in people.

Around 10 a.m. that Tuesday, Josh, aged 36, lost his wallet near the Nanaimo Toyota dealership on Bowen Road. It was not until approximately 9 p.m. that evening, during a visit to a convenience store, that he realized the wallet was missing. Panic set in when he informed his wife, who is five months pregnant, about the loss while she was at her ultrasound appointment.

As Josh grappled with the anxiety of potentially needing to cancel his cards, a stranger had already discovered his wallet. At around 7 p.m., Miguel, a 68-year-old Good Samaritan, happened to be walking near the car dealership when he noticed the wallet lying beside a rain gutter. Recognizing its importance, he picked it up and took it directly to the Nanaimo RCMP station.

However, upon arriving, Miguel found that the detachment had closed for the day. Rather than leave the wallet behind, he decided to hold on to it overnight and returned it to the police the next morning.

According to Constable Gary O’Brien, spokesperson for Nanaimo RCMP, it is common for found wallets to be turned in with their contents, but it is rare for the cash to remain untouched. In this case, all of the $600 cash was still inside. O’Brien noted, “Found wallets are often turned in with their contents in place, but often the cash is gone.” Miguel attributed his actions to his upbringing, stating that his parents had taught him to always do the right thing.

Josh’s reaction upon receiving his wallet was one of relief and excitement. O’Brien remarked on the impact of Miguel’s actions, saying, “With so much negativity in the world, it’s refreshing to know there are some really good people out there like Miguel, who will do the right thing and in doing so, restore our faith in mankind.”

This incident serves as a heartening example of human kindness and integrity, reminding us that there are still individuals willing to help others in times of need.