On Wednesday, November 21, 2018, American TV host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres gave a Kenyan man living in the United States $25,000, roughly Sh2.5 million, after his emotional message about family sacrifice reached her show.
The man, identified only as Lawrence, had sent Ellen a video saying he admired her generosity. In the clip, he said, “I love you coz you are very kind and I love how you give people chances.” Lawrence said he had moved to the US after winning a green card.
Ellen was moved by the message and invited him to sit in the audience during the recording of one of her shows. During the appearance, Lawrence explained that he had been working up to 16 hours a day to support his sister, who is studying at a Kenyan university.
He also said he had given up his own chance to attend college so that his sibling could continue with her education. After hearing his story, Ellen handed him $25,000 and a laptop to help him pursue his college dream.
The development came after Ellen had been in Kenya with her wife earlier in 2018, adding a personal link to the exchange that played out on her show.
Watch the video below.