With all the talk of H1N1, three Calgary friends decided to share joy instead of germs Wednesday on Stephen Avenue Mall.
"Here's $5," said Eric Mortimer who came up with the idea for the random acts of kindness.
Inspired by the 2009 movie "The Ultimate Gift" and armed with $1000 in $5 dollar bills, three friends were determined to lighten their load.
"I'm looking at it as an investment in our growth," said Mortimer who funded the experiment.
The trio started out on Stephen Avenue approaching all sorts of people from downtown professionals, teens, elderly couples and even a homeless man. "They made my day," said the wheelchair bound man.
"We don't know what the reaction will be or what to expect," said Brandon Klayman as they moved down the block.
The feedback was mostly surprise, and a few times the Citytv crew was caught capturing the moment.
"Seriously?" said one teenage girl who couldn't believe free money came with no strings attached. "Enjoy your day and pay it forward," said Brian Dickson.
200 people from all walks of life revealed just as diverse reactions. "Some people wouldn't even take it," said Mortimer.
They called the experiment in altrustic giving and mankind's ability to recieve was as a success.
In little under an hour, the men had unloaded their stash.
As the adventure wrapped, the man behind the money reflected, "we don't have any idea how great of an impact we will have and that's okay", but they all agree that while the lesson in personal growth left them cash poor they ended up with more than they started with.