Homeless Substitute Teacher Receives RM111,200 As A Birthday Present From Former Student

According to a report made by NBC Los Angeles, Jose Villarruel, 77, has been forced to live in a car since May last year after losing his job and home due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For decades, he served as a substitute teacher. 

Saddened by the fate that befell the teacher, his former student, Steven Nava, 21, decided to hold a birthday celebration and surprise for Villarruel, also known as Mr V. Nava came across Mr V last week when he saw the man living in his car in a parking lot. 

"I always see him and it makes me think to know his condition now. After a few days, I found out the guy was a substitute teacher when I was in high school in the Fontana Unified School District. He has lost his job because of Covid-19, ”he said. 

Sympathetic to his teacher's condition, Nava then gave Villarruel US $ 300 (RM1,235) and started raising funds through GoFundMe. Nava also shared the story on all social media platforms including Twitter to garner the attention of virtual citizens.

Nava was shocked to see that he had managed to raise up to US $ 5,000 (RM20,577) within the span of 24 hours, which then increased to US $ 27,000 (RM111,200). On top of all this, the Sheriff’s Department also assisted Villaruel by providing him with temporary hotel accommodation. 

Due to his success with raising funds, Nava decided to make it a birthday surprise for Villarruel in conjunction with his 77th birthday. Nava, along with some former students and the community came to see Mr V and sang a birthday song to him. 

"This is an experience that I will remember for a lifetime. I will pin it in my heart," said Villaruel. 

Source: NY Post