Adam Khamis - Gifts From A Victim

A kind, generous, and hard-working human has been seriously harmed, and we want to help him.

We met Adam Khamis some four years ago when he rented an apartment from us. He's from Sudan and was so sincere and full of enthusiasm. He explained that he had managed to emigrate to Canada, and was both a student and working hard to provide for his family. While he had earned his credentials as an electrician, his income mostly came from working as a tourist-home host and via food delivery. As a devout Muslim, he would not borrow money, or even use a credit card, so all transactions were in cash. He was endlessly generous and optimistic. We found it easy to love this man and to be inspired by his spirit and energy. He was endlessly proud to live in Canada and so grateful to enjoy its freedom.

Last year Adam was called home to Sudan for his father's funeral. He had to stay far longer than expected and returned to considerable debt. He could have easily disappeared or looked after only the most critical bills, but he worked tirelessly until every last penny was paid. Then his car - his source of income - died.

Somehow he found another, older, used car and carried on, as always. He never faltered, just moved ahead with energy and joy. Then he became a victim of crime, just last night.

Called out for what appears to have been a bogus, 'set-up' order, Adam drove to a remote address here in St. John’s, NL, a house that nobody lives in. While he was waiting for an unlikely answer at the door, a thief, hiding nearby, stole Adam’s car, which also contained his phone and apartment keys.

In shock, and without options, Adam walked many cold kilometres to the police station, then home, to sleep on the floor of a cold porch, as he had no way to gain entry to his actual apartment. Early this morning he arrived at our door (luckily, we had returned just hours earlier from some seven weeks away!) to see if we might still have a key, even though we are no longer his landlords. Against the odds, we found one, so at least he has access to his home.

Here's what really sunk us, and what explains what kind of human being Adam is - he would not let us leave until we agreed to accept his four oranges. Not one orange – we had to take them all, or he would not be satisfied. This man has so little, yet he needs to express his gratitude such.

Adam, more than anyone we know, will survive this tragedy - he's unstoppable. But it will be tough, and he, and those who depend on him, will suffer greatly for some time. He has no car now, no phone, and no means to earn his living. He cannot borrow - even if his faith allowed it - and we feel we must help him, even if he's reluctant to accept such support.

So we've set up this GoFundMe in his name, knowing how Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are. If you, or anyone you know, can help in any way - particularly in the replacement of his car and phone - that help could never be better placed.

Thanks for reading, and considering, and for any assistance you can provide. Blessings to you all.

Sincerely,

Pete and Margo Soucy