Haley Bridges, 17, knew her colleague Hokule’a Taniguchi, 19, was riding her bike to work seven miles each way, which isn’t easy in the winter weather in Appleton, Wisconsin. So when Haley found out the company Christmas party was going to include a car giveaway, she wanted to win so she could give it to her best friend.
Haley says her group of friends at work had all decided they would give “Hoku” the car if any of them won the grand prize. She says hearing her name called was “surreal,” and their squad shared an emotional group hug while the other employees cheered and clapped for them.
Haley says her mom was slightly upset that she gave away such a huge gift, but she has no regrets. She already had a car of her own and to repay her act of kindness, Haley’s aunt held a fundraiser to get it paid off. Now Hokule'a can drive to work and her life has changed for the better, thanks to her friend.