‘They had tears in their eyes’: Why ‘John the Generous’ handed out cash in Centrelink queue
He handed out thousands of dollars to recently-unemployed Victorians waiting in a Centrelink queue in Box Hill, and now a mysterious good Samaritan has revealed what drove him to such generosity.
VIC News
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A generous Melbourne man is being applauded for his extraordinary act of kindness amid the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Balwyn North good Samaritan Peter — who is being dubbed ‘John the generous’ — said his heart broke when he saw lengthy queues outside his local Centrelink on Tuesday.
It inspired him to hand out $100 notes to dozens of strangers queued at Box Hill, many of who were facing unemployment for the first time in their lives.
“It made me sick to my stomach, these people needed money straight away,” he said.
“The queues were unbelievable, these are innocent people who have no job and no income now.
“I couldn’t stand to see my kids fed and others starve. This is a tragedy of profound proportion.”
Did you witness the act of kindness? Let us know – email: brianna.travers@news.com.au
Peter, 62, said he rushed to an ATM on Tuesday morning when he saw despondent people lining up for government stimulus packages.
He withdrew $10,000 which is as much as the bank would let him.
The businessman said the reaction from people he gave the money to was something he will never forget.
“It was unbelievable, the most gratifying thing I have ever done in my life,” he said.
“People had tears in their eyes.
“What I saw on people’s faces broke my heart and will stay will me forever.”
Peter, who is closing up one of his own businesses in Melbourne’s CBD today, said he hopes others will follow suit.
“The more we help those in need the quicker everyone will get back on their feet,” he said.
“Those who are better off, should go and withdraw money you can afford and give it to those who need it more.
“It will give innocent people instantaneous relief.”
Peter, who immigrated from Greece when he was six years old said he felt Australia was the lucky country.
“Australia has been very good to me,” he said.
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