“I thought that was it,” says Adam. “Not to see my family again.” Until one day, while rummaging through a dumpster in Edmonton, he found a picture of Bubby. “I was just thinking maybe I could get some medicine for it,” says Adam. So Adam sold it to an antique store for $20. “And I just went on my way.” But Bambi’s buyer — Alex Archbold of Curiosity Inc. — discovered it was an original cell animation from the Disney film and sold it for about $3,600. “And it wouldn’t feel right to keep that much money,” Alex says. So he began to search the streets for Adam. “The problem is,” says Alex. “I don’t know where to find him.” But after two weeks of daily searches, he did. And he gave Adam half the money. “Are you kidding me?” Adam says after being surprised at the envelope full of cash. “I kid you not,” laughs Alex. “Holy cow!” Adam responds in shock. The other half of the money was spent on a hotel, food and clothing for Adam, before Alex launched a GoFundMe that raised nearly $18,000 for him. “To have basically nothing for years and then have someone help, it was amazing,” says Adam. While the generosity was incredible, the reality of returning home to face his family was unbearable. “I was just afraid people would judge me for being homeless,” says Adam. But with Alex’s support, Adam found the courage to face his fears and board a train to London, Ont. “I gave it a little push,” says Alex. “But (Adam) was the one who continued himself.” Now, four years later, Adam is still doing the job — and thriving. He says he is sober and healthy, present in his children’s lives and has his own growing drywall business. “I like doing (the job),” smiles Adam. “Giving life to old houses”. As if inspired to rebuild his life and move forward, Adam says his business plan involves helping others do the same. “People like me, who might be afraid to ask for help,” says Adam. Adam hopes to repay the kindness of a stranger he now calls “brother” for saving his life. “The whole Bambi thing,” says Adam. “It’s a miracle.” Although they live half a country away from each other, Adam and Alex have visited each other and talk regularly. It’s an enduring relationship that Alex hopes will inspire others. “There are thousands of people like Adam out there,” says Alex. “When people are resettled in a caring environment, they are capable of anything.”
