Pensacola homeless man rescues driver from burning
Donation protected
For some time now Freddie Finkley and his girlfriend Stephanie have been eking out an existence by panhandling. During which time they both have endured hateful comments from people telling Freddie to go get a "real" job with no understanding of his story. But through it all he's stood tall and kept a positive outlook on life.
Living though innumerable hardships exasperated by a year of COVID-19 he could have easily slid into bitterness and selfishness. But such is not Freddie's way.
That is why, when a car crashed head-on with another vehicle beside the corner where he was panhandling, and burst into flames, he didn't hesitate to help another man in need. Instead of ignoring the accident - Freddie made a sacrifice for a stranger. He gave the most of what he had - himself, and saved a man from certain peril.
Freddie reminds us that those with so little are willing to offer so much, with an expectation of nothing in return.
After his heroic deed Freddie simply went back to his normal daily routine and later described the incident as him just, "doing what everyone else would've done."
Link to the story in the Pensacola News Journal can be found here:
https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/2021/04/14/pensacola-homeless-freddie-finkley-rescues-driver-burning-car-after-crash/7204826002/
Freddie's story is a tough one because it is a story that could have easily been any of ours - but for a bit of grace.
So on behalf of Freddie and Stephanie, I am initiating this fundraising to help reduce the financial burden on them and to try to assist them in getting back on their feet. No amount is too small and your generous help will be greatly appreciated.
My husband Stephen Sarty is the person referenced in the article as having built a friendship with Freddie over the last several months. It was through this friendship that he became aware of Freddie's act of heroism and relayed that to the paper. The donations will be withdrawn by Stephen directly as Freddie has indicated to him that he does not have a bank account that we could link directly. These funds are being distributed to Freddie directly via cash and/or Visa Cash Card and there will be individuals there to witness the distribution of the funds as we want to ensure that Freddie receives 100% of the funds and that donors can have confidence that their donations went directly to Freddie. For those who have already donated, know that Freddie deeply appreciates your kindness.
Living though innumerable hardships exasperated by a year of COVID-19 he could have easily slid into bitterness and selfishness. But such is not Freddie's way.
That is why, when a car crashed head-on with another vehicle beside the corner where he was panhandling, and burst into flames, he didn't hesitate to help another man in need. Instead of ignoring the accident - Freddie made a sacrifice for a stranger. He gave the most of what he had - himself, and saved a man from certain peril.
Freddie reminds us that those with so little are willing to offer so much, with an expectation of nothing in return.
After his heroic deed Freddie simply went back to his normal daily routine and later described the incident as him just, "doing what everyone else would've done."
Link to the story in the Pensacola News Journal can be found here:
https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/2021/04/14/pensacola-homeless-freddie-finkley-rescues-driver-burning-car-after-crash/7204826002/
Freddie's story is a tough one because it is a story that could have easily been any of ours - but for a bit of grace.
So on behalf of Freddie and Stephanie, I am initiating this fundraising to help reduce the financial burden on them and to try to assist them in getting back on their feet. No amount is too small and your generous help will be greatly appreciated.
My husband Stephen Sarty is the person referenced in the article as having built a friendship with Freddie over the last several months. It was through this friendship that he became aware of Freddie's act of heroism and relayed that to the paper. The donations will be withdrawn by Stephen directly as Freddie has indicated to him that he does not have a bank account that we could link directly. These funds are being distributed to Freddie directly via cash and/or Visa Cash Card and there will be individuals there to witness the distribution of the funds as we want to ensure that Freddie receives 100% of the funds and that donors can have confidence that their donations went directly to Freddie. For those who have already donated, know that Freddie deeply appreciates your kindness.
Organizer and beneficiary
DM Fitzhugh
Organizer
Pensacola, FL
Stephen Sarty
Beneficiary
