If you make it to the Olympics, you probably want your parents to be there to take in the Games in all their glory and hopefully watch you grace the podium.

Of course, being there is also a dream for proud parents.

Uber driver Ellis Hill didn’t think he would be able to make it to Rio to watch his son Darrell compete in shot put.

Through a twist of fate and the kind-heartedness of others, however, he’ll soon be headed for Rio.

Liz Willock missed her flight and ended up as Hill’s Uber passenger. When she asked him if he was going go to Rio to watch his son, he said he couldn’t afford it.

That’s where GoFundMe came into play.

Willock set up an account in Hill’s honour, making it her mission to get him to Rio.

Hill’s son and son’s friends quickly chimed in on social media, spreading the word and expressing their gratitude for the incoming donations. Within just a week the fundraiser surpassed its $7,500 goal. Uber also pitched in, offering ride credits and a restaurant gift card.

Now, his dad will proudly watch in person as Hill competes in the men’s shot put qualifiers, beginning in Rio on August 18. If the American Olympic House is anything like the Canadian Olympic House – which is designed for the use of athletes’ friends and family – he’s in for a mind-blowing treat.

The tear-jerking story is a positive example of the benefits of modern technology, with things like social media and crowd funding making Hill’s dream a reality.

At a time of global unrest and negativity, stories like this reassure us that we’re still capable of the ‘Friday Feels.’ The Summer Olympic Games kick off this evening with the Opening Ceremony.

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