Destinee and Paul Klyne had been planning on pampering themselves with a relaxing vacation to northern California earlier this month – and even though their trip ended up being the opposite of relaxing, it also ended up meaning so much more. The Canadian couple from Penticton, British Columbia were originally going to stay at an AirBnb in Paradise. As wildfires spread through the area, however, the cabin that they had booked for their trip burned down in the blaze.
So instead of canceling their flights to California, the Klynes decided to use their vacation for a greater purpose than serving themselves.
They found a place to stay in Sacramento and then spent every morning of their getaway driving to Chico so they could help wildfire victims. With additional donations coming in from their friends and family, Destinee and Paul bought gift cards to hand out to the evacuees, served up thousands of meals, filled up gas tanks, and offered help wherever it was necessary.
“It is so nice to be able to bring forth the Canadian spirit of giving, of compassion and generosity,” Destinee told the Montreal Gazette. “Especially in the times that we’re in now, with the political (climate), it’s kind of nice to say, ‘You are our American neighbours and we love you.’”
As a result, Destinee said: “I have had more hugs from strangers than I have had in my entire life
(WATCH the interview below) – Photo by Destinee and Paul Klyne
This article originally appeared on Good News Network.