By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-27 18:42:02 | Updated at 2024-11-27 20:31:16
1 hour ago
Video footage has captured the heartwarming moment a TikToker surprised America's oldest employee with $1,000 - as he revealed the key to a meaningful life.
Popular TikToker Zachery Dereniowski, known for his viral videos of helping those in need, approached David Frank, a 100-year-old Home Depot employee, by chance pretending to need help purchasing materials - having seemingly no idea about his incredible backstory.
The centenarian worker didn't hesitate to offer support.
Touched by Frank's willingness to help, the TikToker revealed his true intention and awarded Frank $1,000 for his incredible selfless act of kindness.
He soon learned he was speaking to America's oldest employee, David Frank, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
When asked about his secret to a long and meaningful life, Frank replied with just six powerful words: 'Treat the world like your family,' he said.
Frank's continued with his simple yet inspiring message, adding: 'Be nice to them, be sensible - that's all.'
Frank was born in Montreal in 1924 - and has lived through a century of change, working in manufacturing during World War II and owning multiple businesses before finding his calling at Home Depot 23 years ago, as reported in a local news feature in Windsor Star.
Video footage has captured the heartwarming moment a TikToker surprised America's oldest employee with $1,000 - as he revealed the key to a meaningful life
Frank told the outlet he loves working in retail as he gets to connect with people and help solve their problems - which he demonstrated in the video.
'You get to meet the customers themselves,' Frank told the Star. 'You hear their problems and you get to help solve them.'
He said not only is he able to work - he takes pleasure in it.
'It keeps me busy and in the loop,' Frank said. 'The hours are good, the people are good, and the checks don't bounce.'
Store manager Gloria Mattia describes Frank - affectionately known as 'Davie' - as an 'amazing person' who truly loves people.
'He is an amazing person,' Mattia told the Star. 'He truly loves people and I think that is what has kept him here for so long. He loves what he does and he does it because he loves it.
'Not everybody turns 100 ... it's a huge milestone.'
The store has even dedicated an entire aisle in his honor, dubbed the 'David Frank Aisle' or 'Davie Frank Lane.'
Earlier this month, they celebrated his 100th birthday. Frank was surrounded by friends, family, coworkers and even special guests like Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.
'It was nice to see a nice thing happen,' Frank said. 'I don't want the attention, but if it's a good thing and people feel good with it, that's the way something should happen.'
Mayor Dilkens called it an 'honor' to celebrate Frank's milestone 100th birthday.
Frank attributes his longevity to good genes. He said that most of his family members have lived past 100.
'It's nothing special, it's just genes,' Frank said. 'We don't put our lives in danger in anyway, you know? We don't tempt the end. And that's it.'
Despite being 100 years old, Frank shows no signs of slowing down.
'What would I do? Sit at home and end up getting blisters on my rear end?' he told the outlet. 'No way. I would never want to (spend) it that way.
'I can move around very well and can do a lot of work that a lot people of this age would not. I want to stay active.'
The heartwarming TikTok video has since gone viral, with nearly 2million views and thousands of comments by users who are in awe of Frank's incredible spirit and liveliness.
'Dudes 100 and still working?! God bless him,' one user wrote.
'He’s 100??? He’s more alert and spunky than I am!' another added. 'He looks amazing for 100!'
'I work at the same Home Depot as Davie. He’s a great man. Important to note that he doesn’t work because he has to, he does it because he truly enjoys helping people,' a third user chimed in.
