Unexpected tip a pleasant surprise for brave waiter
The man told Calvin that he knew how it was to grow up without a father and would have never wanted his children to go through the same experience.
The waiter who saved the life of a motorist whose vehicle was swept off Old St Faiths Road in Umtentweni during the April floods was generously rewarded last weekend.
Quick thinking Calvin Harris, who saved the life of one of the two men in the vehicle, received an unexpected surprise seven months later when the man whose life he had saved brought along his family to express their gratitude to Calvin.
ALSO READ : Waiter risks his life to save flood victim
“A week ago, the man bought his family to the restaurant and thanked me for saving his life, and asked if there was anything he could do for me,” said a surprised Calvin.
The man told Calvin that he knew how it was to grow up without a father and would have never wanted his children to go through the same experience.
Calvin, who had briefly mentioned to the man that he had a hefty bill to pay for a recent root canal operation, was shocked and surprised when the man generously added R4857 to his family’s bill.
On Tuesday, April 23, Calvin who was standing on the deck of Jaxx Restaurant watching the heavy downpour, saw cars stopping and turning around at the flooded section of road when he saw a bakkie attempting to navigate the water.
The bakkie was swept off the road and into a rain-swollen stream. Worried that the people inside might be in trouble, Calvin raced towards the vehicle. He was met by a pedestrian who told him there was a man who had managed to get out of the vehicle but couldn’t swim and was in trouble.
With no thought for his safety, Calvin who had done a basic life-saving course ploughed in and pulled the man to the bank.
The body of the second occupant was recovered the following day.
“This is truly a heartwarming story, although there was tragedy involved, a new friendship between these two has been forged. Well done, Calvin,” said Lee Barker, the owner of Jaxx Restaurant.
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