Amid an extremely tense political moment between Americans and Canadians, one U.S. couple’s simple gesture of kindness is serving as a reminder that there is still a sense of camaraderie and solidarity between people across the two nations, tariff threats be damned.
The guests, named Bill and Sara, were dining at the Toast restaurant in Windsor on Saturday, which lies just over the border from their home in Michigan.
Given the present political climate — from Trump’s plan for economically devastating tariffs on Canadian goods to him repeatedly and earnestly suggesting our country become the 51st American state — the couple thought it was fitting to extend some sort of olive branch while visiting the Ontario town.
So, they decided to cover the bill of every other person eating at the busy establishment at the time. It’s something restaurant owners later said was a first for them in nine years of business, and that had everyone in the place cheering.
“Everyone applauded Bill and Sara and thanked them tremendously,” The Toast management wrote in a Facebook post on Monday that called the couple “remarkable.”
“They told us how much they loved Canadians and small family-owned businesses… [and] that the division between the two countries wouldn’t stop them from supporting Canadians,” the update continued. “Thank you Bill and Sara for your very kind gesture and showing us that kindness and peace is still out there!”
The independent restaurant shared the story on Facebook on Saturday in a post that has racked up nearly 600 reactions.
Staff and customers later told the CBC they were heartened that Sara wanted to remind her fellow diners that not everyone in the U.S. agrees with Trump’s actions and sentiments toward their northern neighbour.
The timing was also perfect given that Canada had just defeated the U.S. in the 4 Nations hockey championships a few days earlier, prior to which there had been more trolling remarks from the president (though Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hit back after the win).
“It brings me to tears, honestly, because everybody you talk to feels that tension. Everybody is worried about the tariffs and this just gave a few moments of release from that,” one guest told the national news outlet.
The total cheque ended up being $1,300 plus tip. But, the move proved to be absolutely priceless in much it meant to all those present, and to other Canadians hearing of the story.
