Act of generosity in Canada leaves a lasting impact
Last year, I visited Canada, where I explored many scenic views and breathtaking destinations. But beyond that, I also experienced other unique aspects of this beautiful country. One thing that amazed me was how strangers greet each other when they make eye contact. This wasn’t the only thing that gave me a “feel-good” experience, though.
The drive-thru culture is thriving in North America, including Canada. People, especially those heading to work in the morning, often grab their breakfast in drive-thru lines. It’s understandable, given that many people wake up early and rush to work, leaving little time to cook. So, picking up food from a drive-thru is not only convenient but also a time-saving option.
One early morning, something I witnessed at a drive-thru left me completely awestruck and filled with joy.
My friend Mandeep Tut and I were traveling to Chilliwack, a town in Canada’s British Columbia province, for some work. On the way, Mandeep pulled into a Starbucks drive-thru to grab coffee and snacks. After placing our order, we waited in the queue. When we reached the window to pay, what the cashier said left me speechless. The cashier told us, “Sir, the bill for your order has already been paid by the lady ahead of you.” Our bill was around CAD 25, which was quite substantial, at least for me.
Curious, Mandeep asked, “What’s the bill for the person behind us?
“The cashier replied, “Sir, it’s CAD 23.” Without hesitation, Mandeep paid their bill, though he seemed to wonder how someone could pay for a stranger’s order. I noticed Mandeep’s reaction was calm, almost as if this wasn’t a new experience for him. Perhaps he had encountered this before. But for me, as someone visiting Canada for the first time from India, this was entirely new and made me think, “Wow, this really happens in the world”.
I couldn’t hold back my curiosity and immediately asked Mandeep, “What just happened? How could that lady pay for our order even though she didn’t know us? And why did you pay for someone else’s?”
“I didn’t want to break the chain,” he explained with a smile. “So, I paid it forward.” I pressed him for more details, and he said that sometimes people in Canada pay for others’ bills. Then, jokingly, he added, “Maybe the lady just got her biweekly paycheck and was feeling generous!”
I wasn’t fully convinced by Mandeep’s explanation until we encountered a similar experience again—this time at a Tim Hortons drive-thru. Once again, Mandeep and I were in the car. The same thing happened: the person ahead of us paid for our order. This time, however, I didn’t ask any questions. I was just happy to witness this kindness twice during my short stay in Canada.
These two drive-thru experiences left a lasting impact on me. To others, this may seem like a small, everyday gesture, but for me, it showed how simple acts of kindness can bring a smile to someone’s face, even in today’s competitive world. It made me realize that we should all make an effort to do something that spreads joy. Life is too short and unpredictable, but these small gestures make life memorable and meaningful.
As I reflect on these experiences, I’m reminded that life’s true value lies in these little experiences and the impact we make on others. It’s the small, meaningful moments of generosity and connection that give life its depth and create lasting memories.
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