WATCH: St Andrew businessman donates home to fire victim

CLARENDON, Jamaica — A year ago, after losing her home in a devastating fire, a tearful Sonia Smith took to social media in desperation to appeal for some help. Like an angel, a philanthropic businessman answered her call and, on the first anniversary of the tragedy Sunday, Smith shed tears of joy after receiving the keys to a brand new and fully furnished two-bedroom house.

“I feel very good, joyful, I don’t even know when night comes in the house,” the 76-year-old resident of Rasta Corner said, flashing a bright smile, after receiving the keys to her home from Howard McIntosh.

Her smile turned to tears as she got emotional while recounting how she became a recipient of McIntosh’s benevolence.

“I just went on social media and asked for help… I saw a gentleman come the following day and said ‘Mr Howie’ wants you to come to Kingston,” Smith told Observer Online.

“I was really surprised that this gentleman never know me, don’t know nothing about me… God bless Mr Howie,” she said, struggling to hold back her tears.

McIntosh, who is the owner of The Pub Bar and Grill in St Andrew, said it was a no-brainer to assist Smith after learning of her story.

“I first came across Sonia’s story on social media. A friend of mine pointed it out to me that she was in desperate need, her house was burnt down and she was taking care of her grandchild at the time… So we decided to come on board and see how best we could help her. First it was trying to restore the house but we ended up buying her a brand new house,” he said.

The businessman said he was happy to have been able to assist Smith, calling it one of his “biggest achievements” in life.

“This is one of my biggest achievements, to know that I was able to help her in this way. For somebody to own their own home, much less a brand new home, that says a lot, so I am happy that I was a part of it,” McIntosh said.

He also thanked his friends for helping to make the project a reality.

“Once you have friends that are willing to help, just reach out to them and you will be surprised how quick they will come on board and help you out. A lot of my friends came on board and decided to help with this venture,” McIntosh said.