Working alongside someone every day gives you unique insight into who they are as a person.
Videos by InspireMore
In the time that 17-year-old Haley Bridges has worked with Hokule’a Taniguchi at a Chick-fil-A in Appleton, Wisconsin, the two of them have become the best of friends. In fact, Haley said Hokule’a really helped her come out of her shell!
To get to work each day, Hokule’a has been riding her bike several miles through some tough Wisconsin weather. So when Haley won a car in a raffle at their annual Chick-fil-A holiday party, she didn’t hesitate to hand the prize over to her friend.
“She’s one of the people here that has made me be myself more and I just feel so happy being around her, and it was just an immediate decision to give her a car because she probably needs it more than anyone I know,” Haley explained.
Both of them were overjoyed by the sudden, unexpected act of kindness. “I just couldn’t believe it. I was so shocked,”Hokule’a said. “I screamed and I ran to her and I was just like… My heart felt so full and I was so excited, and then obviously I was so happy I just started crying my eyes out.”
Hokule’a said having a car means getting the freedom she’s been lacking. Just being able to offer someone else a ride fills her with joy! Not to mention, it will keep her out of the cold.
The management at Chick-fil-A has been extremely supportive of the gift, even working to get Hokule’a’s name put on the title so she can retire her bicycle for good!
“Haley is super fun to be around, and she has just really been able to plug in with everyone,” said Sami Hansen, the director of hospitality and quality at the Appleton Chick-fil-A. “And Hokule’a just serves everyone with excellence and has really been able to build some strong friendships and memories with everyone as well.”
What a selfless thing to do for a friend in need! Keep on spreading joy and love, Haley and Hokule’a!
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