Ricardo Ramírez has touched the hearts of people around the world with his story of dedication and love for his wife. This includes philanthropist and businessman Leonardo Farkas, who recently donated two million Chilean pesos (or approximately $2,500 in U.S. dollars) to the 81-year-old Ramírez.
Ramírez, who lives in Quillota, takes a 60-mile round trip every day on the bus to Viña del Mar where he has worked as a janitor for more than 20 years. He works in the evenings because during the day, he takes care of his 96-year-old wife.
Not only does he have to catch two different buses, but he must also leave two hours before his shift begins to make it to work on time. “I have to leave around 3:30 [or] 4 a.m. to get to Viña on time, so the sleep and the cold in the winter, terrible,” Ramírez said last year.
Ramírez is currently receiving assistance from the National Service for the Elderly to work with him on learning more about his labor rights. Since his pension is low, he cannot retire. Ramírez alleges that the company he works for is not paying him enough and not paying him for overtime.
Hopefully, Farkas’ donation can put Ramírez and his wife on a path that can lead them to some financial stability. Known for his charitable giving, Farkas has given to several organizations and individuals in the past, including $1 billion Chilean pesos (approximately $2 million U.S. dollars) to the Teletón (Chilean telethon) campaign for handicapped children.