Photo: mdmotivator/TikTok
A Detroit traffic cop named Edge got quite the mother’s day gift this week.
Edge, who shared her story with motivational TikToker Zachery Dereniowski the day after Mother’s Day and was given $500 and tickets to a Detroit Tigers game, was gifted an extra $50,000 dollars thanks to the Detroit community and the public.
In theviral videoposted on Monday, Dereniowski approached her on the street offering to give her a jersey for $1 while she was directing traffic. She told him that she had been working and could be seen helping families cross the street and wishing them a “Happy Mother’s Day.”
Dereniowski then got permission from her lieutenant to get some time off to watch the Detroit Tigers game that night, and he gifted her $500 to “celebrate a mom.”
“I was just telling my son, ‘Son, we’re going to have to put it together,'” she said as she got emotional about the gift in the video. “And I tell them, we’re just going to have to pray. Oh, Thank you, Jesus!”
Dereniowski opened up aGoFundMe for Edge, similar to what he does for others he features in his TikToks, which raised $50,000 in three days. He elaborated on her story, letting the public know that she “recently lost her husband” and was “the sole provider for her family.” With that heavy burden placed on her shoulders, he noted she was unable to “time like this” for herself.
“Let’s all come together and show Edge and her family the power of the internet and bless this family for Mother’s Day weekend,” Dereniowski wrote. “100% of the funds raised will go towards paying rent, food bills, and helping her son’s with their education. Be kind and love always ❤️.”
In afollow up videoposted on Wednesday, Edge got to see just how much her story and bright personality affected the Detroit community as she received the check at another Detroit Tigers game.
In the video, Edge could be seen tearing up as they brought her on the field while the announcer said: “The people of Detroit have watched the video and donated an additional $50,000.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Edge could be seen falling to her knees in emotion while yelling out, “Oh god!” as she spread her arms wide in happiness while they presented her with the large check.
Since then, the GoFundMe has grown to over $56,000. Edge toldCBS Detroitthat she still couldn’t believe it.
“Who knew a T-shirt would change my life,” she said.
source: people.com
