It's not hard to figure out that we love great ideas at Idea Bounty, so this morning I have a very touching tale - and one seriously epic idea - to share with you.
If you ever take a trip to Cape Town in South Africa one of the things you will notice are the numerous car guards that patrol the city streets helping people reverse into tight parking spots and generally keeping your ride safe. For the guys who employ themselves this way it is a means of survival and, although they provide a valuable service, believe me when I say they earn almost nothing. Now, here is where the cool part comes in. Check out the video below.
As it transpires last December an unidentified business man who bought anAudi R8 (valued at around R1.4 million) rocked up at theTable Mountain Cable Wayparking lot and ,after finding two car guards who were licensed drivers, just gave the car away. Yes you read that correctly - gave the car away. Apparently, along with the car, he passed on some awesome advice and words of wisdom: "If you can help others, you must give without wanting in return"
So what do these car guards do? They take the wisdom passed on to them and cut a slit in the bonnet (which on the Audi R8 is actually the boot) so that others could "drop of messages and give donations". They then proceeded to drive around town in their brand new ride collecting donations and messages of goodwill. They have also taken up purchasing food with the donations and, using their ride again, drive around distributing the food to those who really need it. Now I dont know about you, but that has to be one of the best and most inspired ideas I have seen in a long time - and they are picking up quite a bit of attention as a result. Check out this article from the Cape Argus:
Big up to must go to not only the as yet unidentified business man but to Fabrice Munqanga-Mungala and DesirŽ Shima who took his gesture/words to heart and carried the goodwill forward. If only more people in the world would be as generous as this! Oh, and incase you were wondering the police have confirmed that all the paper work is in order.
This has to be some viral campaign. Is there no word on who the businessman is? I do however wish the guys the best of luck
mari.
on 15/01/2010
I thought it was a viral campaign too, but was convinced otherwise.
I love it. Ideas like this can change the world. Beautiful!
Joanna Hickey
on 15/01/2010
Its pure ignorance to assume that this does not smell like there's some ad agency behind it.
I run an ad agency and though I'd really like to believe that this is a true "Pay it Forward" story, in a world like ours thats driven by greed and selfishness, I find it a little hard.
If this is the "Real Deal" I wish the two men all the best in their quest to make a difference. I hope that other corporates and sponsors will give them a hand where they need it the most.
Matt Black on 15/01/2010
This has to be some viral campaign. Is there no word on who the businessman is?
I do however wish the guys the best of luck