In a moving act of kindness, a pool installation company owner in Florida has paid off the bills of 36 families who were in danger of losing power during the holiday season.
Michael Esmond, motivated by his own unheated holiday season years ago, got the idea after receiving his utility bill in the mail. He thought it might “take a little bit of stress out” of the season for his neighbors. So he contacted the city of Gulf Breeze, where he lives, to ask about helping out everyone whose payment was overdue.
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Mr. Esmond, 73, said that he noticed on his bill that it read that the due date was December 26 and that supplies may be cut if not paid by then. He recalled that his own power got cut off back in the 80s when he was having trouble juggling the cost of Christmas and bills. He said:
“We actually had the gas shut off the whole entire winter.”
Gulf Breeze’s utility billing supervisor Joanne Oliver told WEAR-TV that she cried when he first approached her with the idea, saying:
“For someone like him, a veteran to come in and do some grand gesture. It was heartfelt for me.”
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Mr. Esmond paid $4,600 to help 36 families in his community of 6,000 residents. However, what he didn’t know until later was that the city sent out holiday cards to the recipients of his generosity saying:
“It is our honor and privilege to inform you that your past due utility bill has been paid by Gulf Breeze pools & Spas. You can rest easier this holiday season knowing you have one less bill to pay.”
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Mr. Esmond says many people have come forward and promised him they will “pay it forward” and do charitable acts that he helped to inspire. He added:
“I think I really struck a nerve with a lot of people. People don’t realise that there are people right now that don’t have heat and electricity and everything in their house and their going to go through Christmas without that. My phone hasn’t stopped ringing with text messages and emails for days now. It’s just mind boggling to me.”
