# Generous man gives out $50 and $100 bills to needy strangers. That gets locked up in the loony bin. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 26, 2014, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590 "2014-03-26T07:06:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/1 "2014-03-26T07:06:37Z")
Not exactly a great ending to a heart warming story. A guy saves up money and then hands out $50 and $100 bills to strangers. He urges them to pass it on to someone else if they don’t need it. A wonderful and generous act that gets him locked up in mental ward. It’s kind of sad that our governments take such a dim view of caring and generosity. They feel you must be crazy to give a shit about your fellow man. These people would throw a straight jacket onto Mother Teresa (who gave away her wealth and privileged life to serve God and the poor). Bah! There are generous people in the world who do give what they can to help others. It’s their money to give away or spend however they like. [http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/oddnews/man-committing-random-acts-of-kindness-by-giving-out-cash--detained-in-mental-hospital-225126586.html](http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/oddnews/man-committing-random-acts-of-kindness-by-giving-out-cash--detained-in-mental-hospital-225126586.html) [http://metronews.ca/news/halifax/978528/i-think-hes-doing-the-world-good-dozens-across-hrm-say-theyve-gotten-money-from-mystery-man/](http://metronews.ca/news/halifax/978528/i-think-hes-doing-the-world-good-dozens-across-hrm-say-theyve-gotten-money-from-mystery-man/) > [@](#): > > Richard Wright was brightening the days of dozens of strangers in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) in Canada, by handing out C$50 and C$100 bills. As reported by Metro News , last week Wright was giving cash to different people he encountered in HRM and asking that the recipients, “thank God” for the gift and if they didn’t need the money, to pass it on to someone else. > [@](#): > > Mr. Wright’s daughter, Chelsea, called attention to her father’s circumstances when she recently posted a photo of him and said that he had received “unfair” treatment by the hospital and the police. Her father has not been allowed to leave the hospital despite insistence that he is had no mental-health issues. Chelsea explained that her father worked hard to save money and when the family was on vacation in Halifax, he simply decided to share “some extra money” with those in need. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/2 "2014-03-26T07:17:42Z")
This story is from last Christmas. A wonderful story of personal generosity. Just one of many stories out there of people sharing their extra money to help others. It’s not insane behavior. > **[Yahoo News: Latest and Breaking News, Headlines, Live Updates, and More](https://news.yahoo.com/)** > > The latest news and headlines from Yahoo News. Get breaking news stories and in-depth coverage with videos and photos. > [@](#): > > For the fifth year in a row, an anonymous (and very generous) soul has dropped a single gold coin in a Salvation Army kettle. > > Volunteers at the Salvation Army discovered the coin last week and sold it for $1,220, according to the Kokomo Tribune. > > While there is no way to be sure it’s the same person dropping the coins, it seems likely. For one, the coins are always the same — South African Krugerrand gold. And for another, the coins are always dropped in Kokomo, Ind. > > Salvation Army Capt. Dale Brandenburg spoke to the Kokomo Tribune about the find. > > “A great big thank you to whoever did this,” he said. “If we could find the person, we’d tell them how much we appreciate this and how much this helps further our work here in Howard County.” ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/3 "2014-03-26T14:59:56Z")
Some new information. The guy was stopped and released in Halifax. They made the correct decision imho. He might be a bit eccentric but he wasn’t harming anyone or breaking any laws. Giving away money isn’t a crime. 😉 He drives home (another city) and some idiot had called the local authorities to do a wellness check on him. So now he’s locked up in the psych ward. At least he’s got his daughter fighting for his release. [http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/03/24/halifaxs-free-money-folk-hero-lands-in-psychiatric-ward-after-handing-out-money-to-strangers/](http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/03/24/halifaxs-free-money-folk-hero-lands-in-psychiatric-ward-after-handing-out-money-to-strangers/) > [@](#): > > And strangely, Mr. Wright was hospitalized in P.E.I. only hours after his mental condition had been given a pass by Halifax psychiatrists. > > On Tuesday in Dartmouth, Mr. Wright’s “suspicious” generosity prompted Halifax Police to pull over his SUV and summon the city’s Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team for an assessment. > > “He was let go … he wasn’t breaching any act or any laws, “ said Const. Pierre Bourdages, spokesman for the Halifax Regional Police. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/4 "2014-03-27T17:31:12Z")
A friend of my mother had two kids who were both schizophrenic. The oldest, when he stopped medicating, would take all of his money out of the bank, and start handing it out to strangers on the street. Then he’d be unable to buy food or pay his rent, and would end up homeless again. Not saying that’s the case with this guy, but i know my mom’s friend was grateful whenever the cops picked up her son before he gave away all his rent money. ---
**Author:** ![dracoi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90db22/32.png) [@dracoi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dracoi)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/5 "2014-03-27T17:48:41Z")
There’s just no way for the government to win on issues like this. If you wait until someone gets chopped up, you’re blamed for not keeping crazies off the street. If you keep the crazies off the street, you’re blamed because they haven’t chopped anyone up yet. I don’t really know enough about this story to have an opinion on it, but it really frustrates me when governments are held to impossible double standards. ---
**Author:** ![Bozuit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/edb3f5/32.png) [@Bozuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bozuit)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/6 "2014-03-27T17:50:46Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > These people would throw a straight jacket onto Mother Teresa (who gave away her wealth and privileged life to serve God and the poor). Just God, really. It sounds like this guy is actually more interested in helping people (souls excluded) than she was. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised to find out there’s more to this than the story says. There normally is in situations like this. ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/7 "2014-03-27T17:55:31Z")
> [@dracoi](#): > > There’s just no way for the government to win on issues like this. If you wait until someone gets chopped up, you’re blamed for not keeping crazies off the street. If you keep the crazies off the street, you’re blamed because they haven’t chopped anyone up yet. > > I don’t really know enough about this story to have an opinion on it, but it really frustrates me when governments are held to impossible double standards. Were the man crazy, I would agree. I don’t think that has been in any way established at this point. Generosity, even unusual generosity != crazy. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/8 "2014-03-27T18:30:18Z")
> [@Bozuit](#): > > That said, I wouldn’t be surprised to find out there’s more to this than the story says. There normally is in situations like this. Yep, the issue with these cases (just like child abuse cases) is that the government can’t really say anything without breaking confidentiality. So the daughter is saying he’s perfectly sane, and the government can’t come back and say “Well, he’s also got voices telling him to burn things.” ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/9 "2014-03-27T18:33:34Z")
I thought the man’s daughter made a good point that they were on vacation and her dad gave away money that he had saved. Saving money for a purpose (like helping people) sounds pretty rational to me. There may be a point where the man can no longer manage his finances. A family member may have to request a conservatorship. That’s an option if he’s literally giving away the rent and food money. Locking him up in a mental ward? That’s usually the last option if nothing else works or if the person is dangerous. ---
**Author:** ![74westy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/74westy/32/3950_2.png) [@74westy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/74westy)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/10 "2014-03-27T18:40:01Z")
> [@Doctor\_Jackson](#): > > Were the man crazy, I would agree. I don’t think that has been in any way established at this point. Generosity, even unusual generosity != crazy. I wouldn’t say “established” but it’s worth noting that this was done based on a “clinical recommendation of a physician who has met with and assessed the patient” and this _is_ evidence of craziness. There is nothing saying that the reason the man was committed was because he was giving away money - only that that was what brought him to the attention of police. And, of course, medical authorities can’t comment on the story without violating this guy’s privacy so we get one side of the story as filtered though media who have a financial interest in getting a rise out of people like aceplace57. When generosity is added to the DSM-V I’ll be as up in arms as the rest of us here but I’ll want to know more before I get upset about this particular story. ---
**Author:** ![buddha\_david](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ee7513/32.png) [@buddha\_david](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buddha_david)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/11 "2014-03-27T18:41:57Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Locking him up in a mental ward? That’s usually the last option if nothing else works or if the person is dangerous. Dunno 'bout anyone else, but I know sixteen ways to kill a man with a tenner. ---
**Author:** ![74westy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/74westy/32/3950_2.png) [@74westy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/74westy)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/12 "2014-03-27T18:43:06Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Locking him up in a mental ward? That’s usually the last option if nothing else works or if the person is dangerous. How long is he locked up for and what was the reason for committing him? ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/13 "2014-03-27T18:58:20Z")
Well so far the press hasn’t indicated the guy has been released or brought into any court… I know in the US involuntary holds are very short. Usually only two or three days. Then they have to get an emergency extension from a judge. There are more hearings etc. It’s an involved process and lawyers are there to protect the person’s rights. There was a case last summer with ex child star Amanda Bynes. Her behavior had become increasingly erratic over a two year period. She set a small fire in a driveway and got locked up on an involuntary hold. There were several court hearings reported in the next few weeks. Her parents were given temporary conservatorship. She was treated in the hospital for several months. They reported recently she’s attending required outpatient therapy and started fashion school. She’s doing really well under the conservatorship. ---
**Author:** ![74westy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/74westy/32/3950_2.png) [@74westy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/74westy)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/14 "2014-03-27T19:05:12Z")
What is the process for holds in Nova Scotia? Are courts and lawyers involved? Has the process been violated in this case? ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/15 "2014-03-27T19:37:16Z")
Maybe someone with a Facebook account could learn more? I get hit with a login at this link. The family may be posting updates there. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/OpFreeRichardWright/?fref=ts](https://www.facebook.com/groups/OpFreeRichardWright/?fref=ts) > **[His Random Acts Of Kindness May Have Landed Him In Hospital](https://www.huffpost.com/archive/ca/entry/richard-wright-gave-free-money-away-and-then-he-was-detained-in_n_5030769)** > > His Random Acts Of Kindness May Have Landed Him In Hospital > [@](#): > > The P.E.I. man’s detainment has baffled Facebook users who have joined a group that is pushing for his release. The group had more than 4,500 members as of Wednesday afternoon. ---
**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/16 "2014-03-27T19:46:24Z")
I always thought I would keep this to myself, but every year around Christmas I carry a few $100 bills with me and give them away, usually to parents of small children who look like they could use a lift. I think I’ll keep it up, I’m not too concerned about getting tossed in the nuthouse. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/17 "2014-03-27T20:20:52Z")
> [@74westy](#): > > I wouldn’t say “established” but it’s worth noting that this was done based on a “clinical recommendation of a physician who has met with and assessed the patient” and this _is_ evidence of craziness. There is nothing saying that the reason the man was committed was because he was giving away money - only that that was what brought him to the attention of police. And, of course, medical authorities can’t comment on the story without violating this guy’s privacy so we get one side of the story as filtered though media who have a financial interest in getting a rise out of people like aceplace57. > > When generosity is added to the DSM-V I’ll be as up in arms as the rest of us here but I’ll want to know more before I get upset about this particular story. You seem to be assuming U.S.-style privacy laws, which are rather draconian. Does Canadian or Nova Scotian law actually prohibit them from just saying “We didn’t lock him up for his generosity,” without sharing anything about his actual medical history? ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2014, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generous-man-gives-out-50-and-100-bills-to-needy-strangers-that-gets-locked-up-in-the-loony-bin/684590/18 "2014-03-27T21:11:41Z")
I’ve paid for or helped pay for groceries a few times. Sometimes people check out and the total is more than the cash they have. I hate seeing somebody put back food. I’ll speak up and chip in ten bucks or even twenty to help them out. One time a lady’s EBT card was being rejected. She had baby formula, diapers, food already sacked up. I wasn’t going to just stand there and watch her leave without that stuff. I hate being approached by panhandlers. It’s often a scam or they just want money for booze. It is nice to help when the need appears legitimate. I wish that I could afford to give more. > [@August\_West](#): > > I always thought I would keep this to myself, but every year around Christmas I carry a few $100 bills with me and give them away, usually to parents of small children who look like they could use a lift. > > I think I’ll keep it up, I’m not too concerned about getting tossed in the nuthouse.