“In 20 years I never had 10,000 F for myself”: street vendor receives 10 million FCFA

What seemed to be a simple, poignant confidence ended up shaking social media and mobilising the generosity of thousands of people. For Father’s Day, a man who had been a street vendor for more than thirty years saw his life change within hours, thanks to a moving video shared on TikTok and then amplified by Orange Monnaie and activist Hassan Hayek.

In a video filmed for a Father’s Day campaign, the elderly vendor recounts a life marked by poverty. « In 20 years, I’ve never had 10,000 francs to myself. I sleep outside, I have no house. I have four children, none of them work, » he confides, tears in his eyes.

This sincerity moved internet users deeply. Orange Monnaie immediately offered him supplies worth 50,000 FCFA and an immediate transfer of 150,000 FCFA. To this first wave of emotion was added the intervention of Hassan Hayek, an activist well known under the pseudonym « Le Vagabond de la charité » (The Vagabond of Charity).

A record of over 10 million FCFA

Moved by the video, Hassan Hayek launched a solidarity fund. In just six hours, more than 10 million FCFA was collected. Faced with this outpouring, the activist announced the end of the collection, stating that the sum raised was enough to change the old man’s life. « His smile spoke to us, » he explained live on his platforms.

In addition to the funds, a brand-new, fully equipped tricycle was offered by the public sanitation company La Nagette. The elderly man also received work equipment, supplies, and an additional envelope of 200,000 FCFA. « I thought it was just an idea, not real money. Thank you, Orange Monnaie. Thank you, Hassan Hayek, » he responded, overwhelmed with emotion.

For Hassan Hayek, this action goes beyond a simple donation: it is a reminder that « social cohesion is the key to pushing back poverty. » The Lebanese-born, naturalised Ivorian activist calls for more acts of solidarity to build a fairer society.

This collective act of generosity proves that sometimes all it takes is a voice, a camera and a little courage to change a life. The elderly man, who had never had 10,000 CFA francs to his name, is now the recipient of more than 10 million, and above all, of a wave of love and recognition that restores faith in humanity.