Students Raise Over $13,000 To Help A Substitute Teacher Pay For His Wife's Surgery
October 16, 2017
Walter Erickson, 80, is a retired teacher who's been a substitute in a Minneapolis school district since 1991. Almost every day of the school year, Erickson is at Champlin Park High School.
Last week, his students gave back to him in a way he never would have expected.
Mr. Erickson / GoFundMe
"He's just impacted so many of our lives in amazing ways," Katie Blodgett, a senior at Champlin Park, told CBS Minnesota. "He's the kind of substitute teacher where he connects with us more on a personal level and he obviously loves what he does and that makes it more encouraging for us to learn."
Mr. Erickson has been saving up to pay for his wife to get cataract surgery and some much needed dental work.
"When we found out the surgery may not be covered, we just wanted to help out," Breiter said.
She, Blodgett and another friend started a GoFundMe page. Donations, mostly small amounts from students, came pouring in.
They wrote on GoFundMe:
"Kelsey and Hailey are trying to raise money for a staff member of Champlin Park High School. Mr. Erickson and his wife have been struggling with money for many years. Mr. Erickson still substitutes for teachers most days as he can not retire due to paying for his wife's medical bills over many years. September and October can be the hardest months for the two and the money would benefit them in the coming winter months. Mr. Erickson has impacted Champlin Park students for many years and it would be great if students, staff, and community members could give back to him in this way."
The initial goal was $500. In just six days, the girls raised over $13,000.
"When I told my wife about this last Friday, she said, 'Who are these girls? What kind of parents do they have that they could be so caring and compassionate?'" Mr. Erickson said.
Mr. Erickson added that he was "just overwhelmed" by the students' generosity.
"I know my wife will appreciate it very much," he said. "Thanks a lot, really a lot."
His Last Day As A Teacher After 36 Years. They Turned It Into A Memory For Life
Teacher’s Simple Strategy Is Changing The Lives Of So-Called ‘Troublemaker’ Students
Man Marks 11th Straight Christmas As The Last Unmarried Member Of His Family
'I Laughed And Cried': Vet’s Hilarious Condolence Card Brings Laughter To Grieving Cat Owner
Three Brothers Cleaning Out Mom’s Attic Found A Comic Worth $9 Million
Teen Runs His Own Restaurant ALONE — One Of The Most Uplifting Stories You'll Read
A Stray Dog Wouldn't Let Go Of A Toy, So Shoppers Bought It For Him
Daycare Worker Goes Viral After Dancing For Babies — Their Reactions Are Priceless
Watch The Moment This Dog Is Rescued From Dog Fighting
Nanny Gets Surprised With A New Car. Her Reaction Is Incredible
Jamaican Mom Sees Snow For The First Time — And She Is LIVING
