Australian Lucas Jatoba Celebrates 30 By Giving Gifts To 30 Strangers (VIDEO)

When it comes to milestone birthdays, the celebrant typically sits back and waits for the cake, party and presents to come his way. But, when Lucas Jatoba turned 30 recently, he decided to reverse the giving roles.

Grateful for the "beautiful things that have happened in [his] life," since arriving to Australia, Jatoba decided to spend his 30th birthday passing out presents to strangers in Sydney, with some help from a crew of his friends and family.

The Brazilian-born birthday boy recorded the smiles, hugs and gifts (he did get some bread and a tennis ball, among other things from appreciative recipients) and put together a montage of the unconventional exchanges of goodwill.

WATCH:

30 gifts to 30 strangers in Sydney from Lucas Jatoba on Vimeo.

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Comments

[clarebear85]

05:59 AM on 10/08/2011

This was cool and I don't mean to sound negative but a wonder if a stranger giving gifts to other peoples kids might be promoting stranger danger?

[Connie Markley Boppre]

12:01 PM on 09/25/2011

in a world full of grief and despair, this is quite admirable. this is a REAL man !

[jandos]

08:11 PM on 09/24/2011

I love it. I just love it!

[Angela Steele]

10:49 PM on 09/23/2011

This is a great example of stepping outside of ourselves, to create the idea or concept of brother, and sisterhood... To be inspired by a random, but very deliberate gesture of kindness... Acts of this nature should be more common, human fellowship is quintessential, and relevant to everyone. Whether one would choose to gift strangers, or simply purchase a coffee for the stranger standing in line behind you, at the gas station... The only way to set an example, is to be the example; It's that simple. I do not, in any way feel that this video is any type of narcissistic cry for center stage; quite the contrary! Coffees on me tomorrow.

[arianaart]

09:06 PM on 09/23/2011

This is one of the most beautiful and uplifting stories of seen! I do wish there were more stories as this in the news.

[arianaart]

09:20 AM on 09/25/2011

*I've

[Joshua Taj Bozeman]

07:26 PM on 09/23/2011

So the lesson here is when you do something to promote yourself, be sure to frame it as you being generous, and don't forget to record it, score it, color correct it, and edit it together into a video to show just how great and awesome you are?

Sorry, but true generosity doesn't need to be filmed by a professional crew and posted for the world to see just what a great guy you are.

[Artanis71]

08:54 AM on 09/24/2011

Yes you should never try to inspire the same kind of charity from others, it should be out of sight. What a sad example of humanity you are.

[dmsdzinr]

01:56 PM on 09/23/2011

THIS proves that there is still HOPE for Humanity! KUDOS!!!!

[relay73]

01:30 PM on 09/23/2011

Absolutely fantastic idea. We should replace the tradition of receiving gifts with giving on our birthdays. We were given life on that day, is that not enough?

[Cordell Cameron]

01:27 PM on 09/23/2011

Good idea.

[pitako8]

01:21 PM on 09/23/2011

Happy birthday, Lucas! Excellent gift. Pay it Forward.

[KIVPossum]

01:07 PM on 09/23/2011

That's a wonderful idea.

[greenie69]

12:51 PM on 09/23/2011

refreshing for sure - made me smile

[Youcantstandthetruth]

12:44 PM on 09/23/2011

Happy Birthday Lucas! and many more to You

[lkim65]

12:43 PM on 09/23/2011

Good for him. This put a smile on my face : D

[snippylee]

12:43 PM on 09/23/2011

Happy Birthday, Lucas!