Near the end of an MDMotivator film, Pete has just received a new camper. Then he tells Zachery Dereniowski what he wants to do with his old one. He knows someone else at the campground who could use it. [MD1]
Zachery Dereniowski, the creator behind the channel, asks whether he is sure. Pete says: “I want to do it because I can today.” The film shows him offering the keys to a man called Rob. [MD1]
Earlier, Pete had bought shoes for Zachery outside a Canadian Tire store. The request was staged: Zachery later revealed he already had shoes in his backpack. Gifts followed, with Canadian Tire credited for cash support and Bunnie and Jelly Roll for the new camper. Pete’s offer comes after those surprises. [MD1]
Before he was the person giving
Zachery’s account of how the work began starts in Australia. In an interview with The Drive Magazine, he described feeling isolated while studying medicine in Sydney during 2020. A relationship had ended, a knee injury interrupted activities he enjoyed, and pandemic restrictions made it difficult to meet people. He sought counselling through his university. [MD2]
He began posting about his experience online, hoping to find people who understood. People replied with stories of their own. In August 2021, he left medical school and returned to Windsor, Canada, to keep making videos. [MD2]
In the interview, Zachery said viewers, sponsors and partners helped provide the gifts. He spoke about trying to understand what someone needed: for a person who had not seen their family in years, a hug could matter more than a car. [MD2]
Seven people from the same block
In a separate Windsor Life interview, Zachery recalled meeting Michael in Harlem, where Michael was trying to gather money for rent. After giving him $500, Zachery posted an invitation on Instagram asking whether anyone nearby wanted to help. He said seven people from Michael’s own block came to meet them. [MD3]
Zachery told Windsor Life that both he and Michael made friends through that meeting. People who lived nearby had answered the invitation and come to help. [MD3]
Something you could do this week
You could start with someone you already know. A friend mentions they are having a difficult week. You have time to cook on Thursday. Ask whether they would like you to bring dinner, and whether they want company or would rather you leave it at the door.
Or offer to go along to something a person has been putting off: their first visit to a group, an appointment, a walk after weeks indoors. Find a time that works for you both. Sometimes the thing you can give is being there beside them.
If you have something to spare, think of who might want it. A working bike, a warm coat, books a child has outgrown. Ask before passing it on. You could take it over, stay for a cup of tea, and find out how they have been.
They may not know you remember
Perhaps there is someone you have been meaning to thank. Tell them what you remember: the lift they gave you, the meal they left, the invitation that arrived at the right time. Tell them what happened afterwards, too. They may have no idea that you still think about it.
A message can be plain: “I still remember you picking me up that day. I was so glad you came.” You could write a letter, make a call, or say it the next time you see them. There is no need to wait until you have the right gift.