Internet Rallies to Buy Car for Man Who Walks 21 Miles to Work

James Robertson’s long walk may be about over.

Actually, it’s a twice-a-day walk – 8 miles in the morning and 13 more in the evening. Bus service doesn’t go all the way from his home in Detroit to his Schain Mold & Engineering factory job 23 miles away in Rochester Hills, so he hikes part of the way.

Robertson, 56, has been walking part of his commute for 10 years, ever since the engine his 1988 Honda Accord turned over for the past time. He mentally steels himself for the trek, which takes place in the heat of the summer, during heavy downpours and on days like this, when snow is knee deep and the wind makes it feel like it’s 15 degrees below zero. He remains focused on the end goal.

Getting to his job is that important to him.

Detroit Free Press reporter Bill Laitner told the story of Robertson’s arduous commute in Sunday’s issue.

By mid-day Monday, something remarkable had happened:

More than $52,600 had been raised by strangers to get him a car on GoFundMe.

The crowd-funding campaign was another stranger’s idea.

Evan Leedy, 19, of Macomb Township told the Free Press he was haunted both by the story and the desire of those commenting to help Robertson, so he created the campaign within minutes using his smartphone, setting a $25,000 goal.

Two other individuals also established crowd-funding sites to help Robertson, and they’ve been combined. The money raised has gone beyond what he and other organizers hoped for, Leedy said, so they’ll look into establishing a fund for insurance, maintenance and fuel.

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Still other strangers said they were motivated to give by Robertson’s dedication to his job. Some 1,625 people had given on GoFundMe, and Julie Frank’s $20 donation and comment were typical: . “... thank you for showing us what a real work ethic is,” she wrote.

“So impressed by this wonderful, hardworking American – truly an inspiration,” wrote Kerri Toloczko.

“I truly believe you are a hard worker and want to provide for your family,” wrote Thomas Lisoski. “I fully support individuals like yourself.”

More strangers yet, the folks at Rodgers Chevrolet in Woodhaven, have offered Robertson a 2014 Chevrolet Cruz or Sonic. “We were just impressed with his determination,” said Angela Osborne, a customer service specialist.

Todd Wilson, the plant manager at the Rochester Hills factory, said Robertson sets the attendance bar high.

“I say, if this man can get here, walking all those miles through snow and rain, well I’ll tell you, I have people in Pontiac 10 minutes away and they say they can’t get here – bull!” Wilson said.

Robertson was stunned by the generous offers.

“Are you serious?” he said when told by a reporter of the offers to help.

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