A GoFundMe has been launched for the man who helped raise nearly $500,000 for a Red Baron employee targeted by an Instagram prankster, after it emerged that he’s a homeless veteran living out of his car.
As Dexerto previously reported, Red Baron employee Walter E. Zerod went viral after confronting pranksters who pretended to steal money from him while he was stocking a grocery store freezer.
The father of four explained that he was struggling to pay his mortgage and working long hours to support his family, prompting an outpouring of support online.
A man named Luke Oakenshield, who goes by ‘WereTheBrews’ on Reddit, subsequently launched a GoFundMe for Walt, eventually tracking him down and arranging for the donations to go directly to him.
By October 30, the campaign had raised over $486,000. However, as the donations poured in, supporters discovered that Luke was facing financial struggles of his own.
Internet rallies behind homeless veteran who helped Red Baron employee
According to Luke, he’s a military veteran who is currently homeless and living out of his car.
Despite his circumstances, he took it upon himself to help a complete stranger, tracking down Walt and ensuring he would receive the donations.
After learning about Luke’s situation, his friend Dom Certalic launched a separate GoFundMe to help him get back on his feet.
Dom revealed that he had recently loaned Luke $20 just so he could move his car, which currently serves as his home.
The fundraiser aims to help Luke secure housing, reliable transportation, and pay off debts. It has already raised more than $7,500.
Luke himself confirmed the situation, thanking his friend and those supporting him.
“This is my dear friend Dom. What he has stated is 100% accurate, and does reflect my situation entirely,” he wrote.
“I received a lot of harassment for doing so, but I was determined to find him, and we made that happen. Thank you to everyone involved from the bottom of my heart.”
Supporters have since flooded Reddit with messages thanking Luke for his generosity and encouraging others to return the favor.
“You significantly changed the lives of an entire family, and I just see the numbers keep going up. You’ve made a huge difference on a total stranger’s life, and the lives of those he loves and takes care of,” one user commented.
“The word karma, literally translated, just means action or deed. You took action, you changed the world around you, it’s no small change either,” another wrote.
What began as a viral prank targeting an exhausted employee has now sparked two fundraisers, with the internet determined to help not only Walt, but the man who stepped up for him.
