More than 10,000 people have dug into their pockets to help an elderly Mexican man selling paletas – Mexican icy poles - in Chicago.
Fidencio Sanchez is 89-years-old and recently had to come out of retirement after his daughter passed away and he and his wife became the carers of her two sons.
Local restaurant owner Joel Cervantes Macias saw Mr Sanchez struggling to push his paleta cart down the street set up a Go Fund Me page as “it broke my heart seeing this man who should be enjoying retirement”.
The page has already collected in excess of US$230,000 (AU$300,000) on Mr Sanchez’ behalf after the original donation goal was set at $3,000.
Mr Macias met with Mr and Mrs Sanchez on Monday, writing that they “really appreciate all the love and support that they are receiving from people from all around the world.”
Mr Sanchez himself, told ABC through a Spanish translator: “I wake up early and all day until eight at night.”
“It's really hard working out here in the streets, in the summer and cold winter. Even in bad weather we still have to go out and sell and the carts get stuck in the street.”
Despite the outpouring of financial support, Mr Sanchez says he plans to continue working.
