A surprising discovery was made by Annie Rawdah at a bank machine in London, Ont., where she stumbled upon $1,000 in cash. Rawdah, a real estate agent, found the money during a visit to a drive-through ATM on Wonderland Road South on a Sunday afternoon. Initially unsure of the amount, Rawdah decided to return the money to the bank, but due to its closure at 4:30 p.m., she opted to safeguard the cash by withdrawing her own money, keeping the receipt for timestamp reference.
To ensure the rightful owner could be identified, Rawdah shared the incident on local Facebook groups that evening, although no immediate claim was made. The unexpected online response highlighted the rarity of such honesty, with many commending Rawdah’s integrity.
The individual who left the money behind at the ATM was identified as roofer Mohamad Allo. Allo, who had forgotten to retrieve the cash on his visit to the ATM, expressed disbelief at his oversight. Despite being informed by the bank to wait for potential returnees, Allo believed the odds of recovering the money were uncertain.
Rawdah’s decision to return the money was not only a moral choice but also a valuable lesson for her children, emphasizing the importance of integrity and empathy. The following day, Rawdah returned the cash to the bank, coincidentally encountering Allo’s visit earlier. Subsequently, the bank verified Allo’s claim and assured the return of the money to him.
In a gracious gesture, Allo expressed his relief and gratitude towards Rawdah, offering a gift in appreciation, which Rawdah declined. The incident served as a reminder of the significance of honesty and compassion in communities, showcasing the positive impact of ethical actions on those around us.