Tucson man feeds homeless, runs toy drives despite kidney disease

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TUCSON, Arizona (KOLD News 13) – This week, KOLD News 13 honors a Tucson man who brings joy to the community despite overcoming his own difficulties.

Ricardo Fernandez, who is already a full-time apartment manager, is the heart and soul of Arizona this week. He spends his time outside of work strengthening the Tucson community where he was born and raised.

“If you are blessed with even a little, giving a little bit will give you so much more,” he said. “I never thought that I would get so much help from so many people.”

It started in the 1990s when he saw a large group of homeless people in a park on Christmas Eve.

“I went to the hamburger stand and it was 39 cent hamburgers. I bought 100 and gave them away almost immediately. I just loved it year after year, ”said Fernandez.

His casual act of kindness has become an annual tradition. Instead of hamburgers, hundreds of pizzas are handed out every Christmas Eve. Everyone in need gets their own pizza. He is amazed to see family, friends, and complete strangers help him accomplish his good deeds.

“It’s fun and heartwarming to me,” he said.

In summer he distributes water to the homeless. He has also started a children’s toy campaign. With such relentless dedication to others, it may be surprising to hear of all that he has personally overcome.

“I had kidney disease and was on dialysis for four years. Fortunately, my cousin Kristen in Illinois donated a kidney to me seven years ago. I still have my problems, but I didn’t let them stop me, ”he said.

Fernandez doesn’t let anything stop him. He is currently collecting bikes for a community outreach event next month. He plans to use his $ 300 Heart and Sol gift card from KOLD’s sponsor Casino Del Sol to make sure they hit their 52 bike goal.

“I made a commitment to buy one bike for every four bikes I donated, so it’s going to be a long way,” he said.

If you have someone you think may be the heart and soul of Arizona, please nominate them here.

Copyright 2021 KOLD News 13. All rights reserved.

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