On a snowy morning in Calgary, Brent Garrow, a homeless man, was approached by a well-dressed individual who handed him a note claiming to be worth one Bitcoin, which is equivalent to over $130,000 Canadian. Garrow initially thought about throwing away the note but decided to investigate further. He could not find any information on the bill and reached out to Global News for assistance. Garrow hoped that the note would be real and could potentially change his life.
However, it was soon discovered that the note was merely worth the paper it was printed on. Cryptocurrency like Bitcoin is managed online through digital wallets that provide access to the blockchain. The note Garrow received did not contain the necessary information to access any actual cryptocurrency. Despite the increased acceptance and knowledge of cryptocurrency in recent years, there still remains some stigma and misconceptions about its potential to bring sudden wealth.
Dennis Kasukawa, a CEO of Vancouver Bitcoin, explained that Bitcoin has value because people assign value to it. While there are use cases for cryptocurrency, it is primarily seen as a storage of value rather than a means of everyday transactions. Kasukawa advised caution in investing in cryptocurrencies and warned against treating it as a get-rich-quick scheme. For Garrow, even a fraction of the $130,000 claimed by the note could significantly improve his life by providing him with the means to rent an apartment and cover expenses for a period of time.
Garrow reflected on how a relatively small amount of money, such as $500 for rent and other necessities, could make a significant impact on his life. He expressed gratitude for the generosity he had experienced from strangers in the past, such as receiving food, coffee, and cash. Garrow mentioned that he often stayed at shelters like the Mustard Seed, Alpha House, and the Calgary Drop-In Centre, where he felt supported by the community. Despite the setback with the Bitcoin note, he remained hopeful for a positive change in his circumstances.
The story of Brent Garrow and the Bitcoin note highlighted the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and the impact of unexpected acts of kindness. Garrow’s experience captured the attention of many, shedding light on the complexities of navigating life without stable housing. The incident also prompted discussions about cryptocurrency and the importance of understanding the risks and limitations associated with investing in digital assets. Overall, the encounter on Stephen Avenue in Calgary served as a reminder of the power of small gestures in making a difference in someone’s life.
