‘Share the love,’ says student whose act of kindness went viral

Sociology student Godfrey Coutto knows a hug can go a long way.

Coutto was thrust into the social media spotlight last week after his simple act of comfort on a Hamilton bus was photographed and posted online.

While riding the 10 B-line express bus Coutto was approached by a man with special needs named Robert, who felt overwhelmed by the number of people on the bus.

Seeking comfort, Robert approached Coutto, shook his hand, and would not let go.

Robert’s family says his preferred method of communication is touch. Coutto allowed Robert to hold his hands and put his arms around him throughout his 30-minute bus ride.

A fellow passenger on the bus captured a photo of this simple act of kindness, which was then posted to Facebook, where it received 40,000 likes and 10,000 shares.

On the morning of Oct. 21, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 107 President Eric Tuck and ATU Canada President Bob Kinnear presented Coutto with two cheques totalling $2,000, which Coutto plans to put towards his education.

When asked what went through his mind during the bus ride, Coutto responded, “I just wanted to give him comfort. I did not expect anything from it.”

Coutto has attributed his sense of kindness and wanting to help others to his family, friends, and religious upbringing.

“Just be selfless, and share the love,” he says.