Tim Hortons good Samaritan triggers copycat generosity across the country

On Monday, an anonymous man bought 500 large coffees for unsuspecting Tim Hortons customers in downtown Edmonton.

The story went viral, and has appeared to trigger copycat acts of generosity.

"We are thrilled that this first very generous act of kindness in Edmonton has created somewhat of a snowball effect across the country," Tim Hortons spokeswoman Michelle Robichaud told the Canadian Press. "If ever there was going to be a copycat this is the one you would want."

According to the Canadian Press, "at least five cases of coffee philanthropy have been reported: each one in Red Deer, Alta., Calgary and Ottawa, and two in Edmonton."

At each location, a good Samaritan paid for the next 500 coffees.

Melissa Dass, manager at the Ottawa Tim Hortons that received $860 from a generous stranger, told the Ottawa Citizen that the good Samaritan targeted her store because it was frequented by OC Transpo bus drivers.

"He wanted to recognize their hard work," Dass said. "It's shocking, but also very incredible and generous."

Robichaud insists that these coffee-for-strangers stories are not part of a publicity stunt. Rather, the company has been "humbled by the generosity" that seems to have spread across the nation.

"As brilliant as this is I can assure you that Tim Hortons has nothing to do with the good Samaritans that have been purchasing coffees across the country," said Robichaud.

"Clearly this is someone who has a very pure heart and just wishes to put smiles on some people's faces and spread some good cheer."