When Simaray and Samuel Sanzo migrated from Venezuela to Denver with their 6-year-old son Santi, they posted in a neighborhood Facebook group seeking help finding work and housing. A woman named Courtney responded, and the families met a few days later, using Google Translate to chat. Simaray and Samuel shared their treacherous journey through the Venezuelan jungle, and at the end of the meeting, Courtney’s husband revealed himself as Mike Johnston, the mayor of Denver. Since then, the Johnstons have supported the Sanzos—helping provide them with essential items, accompanying them on hospital visits, and even finding the family an apartment. The Johnston’s kids have taken Santi under their wing, and they now all attend the same public school. When the Sanzos were short on rent, the Johnstons hosted a garage sale, where Simaray sold arepas and Mike sold household items. Just six months into his term, Mayor Johnston says the experience underscored the importance of aiding migrant families. Despite coming from drastically different backgrounds and having a language barrier, the friendship between the two families shows the boundless power of human kindness and connection.
Image via CNN
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