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Face-to-Face: Bullied Bus Monitor Meets the Canadian Who Raised Nearly $700K on Her Behalf

Bus Monitor Karen Klein Meets Max Sidorov of Toronto, Who Raised Nearly $700,000 After Bullying Video

Karen Klein, the elderly bus monitor who recently swept the news after video of her being mercilessly bullied was brought to the public’s attention, has finally met the man who raised $662,000 on her behalf (and counting).

According to ABC, she welcomed Toronto native Max Sidorov into her home Tuesday night, where the two discussed how it would be spent, and how they never expected such generosity.

(Related: Karen Klein Comments on Kids’ Apologies and the Ongoing Controversy)

“Nice guy, nice guy,” Klein commented. “I’m very appreciative.”

She added: “I‘ve never known anyone that’s done anything like this.  You know?  And he’s done such a great job, and…everything’s just so awesome.”

Sidorov said of the situation: “It reinforced my belief that there are so many people, so many good, kindhearted, genuine people out there in the world, and it just inspired me.  I want to keep doing this, keep doing good towards other people.”

Watch video of the emotional meet-up, via WHAM, below:

The Huffington Post summarizes:

Sidorov, who said he was bullied once, too, felt compelled to act after seeing the YouTube video of Klein being verbally abused by four seventh-grade boys. He set up a page through Indiegogo.com asking for donations to send Klein on the “vacation of a lifetime.”  Sidorov’s original goal was set at $5,000.  In its first 24 hours, the fundraising campaign eclipsed $125,000.

“I didn’t think anyone expected anything like this,” Sidorov told ABC…

Klein plans to donate part of the money to support Down syndrome research. She has eight grandchildren, one of whom has the genetic disorder.

Another portion of the nearly two-thirds of a million dollars will go toward home improvements, and to “pay off all my bills so that I can retire,” Klein said.

“I almost feel like I don’t deserve it,” Klein, who has worked for the Greece, N.Y., school system for 23 years, added. “They should be sending their donations to other people that have more problems than I do.”

Most of all, she is grateful to Sidorov for turning something painful into something beautiful.

Bus Monitor Karen Klein Meets Max Sidorov of Toronto, Who Raised Nearly $700,000 After Bullying Video

The fundraising photo for Max Sidorov via Indiegogo.com

Originally, there were some concern over whether the money would actually reach its intended recipient.

As noted in the video, Sidorov is seemingly trying to raise a bit of money for himself, piggybacking on Klein’s wild, rapid success.

After the move was met with skepticism and even ridicule, a third party has stepped in to try to raise money for Sidorov, and has already raked in roughly $7,000.

Case Prince, who started the page, explained: “Maybe we could buy him a new laptop? Or he might even put it towards an anti-bullying cause himself…Let’s pay it forward … We need to encourage all the Maxes out there.”

 

Comments (55)

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  • SkyeOne
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 11:26pm

    So now that she’s set in life, why doesn’t she accept their apologies like a nice person would do.

    Report Post »  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 2:52am

      Planet Earth is on the phone for you.

      The kids have not appologized to her. A couple have said “I’m sorry” to news reporters, but even one of those brats had his Dad say the boy has suffered enough.

      My son once told an adult “I don’t have to listen to you”. After making it clear that an adult making a reasonable request of you DOES mean you must listen, I made him walk up to this adult, shake his hand and apologize for his rudeness.

      Skyeone, why don’t you get a clue, or mind your own business? One or the other, or both!

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • SirMortimerK
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 6:44am

      if the kids sincerely apologized she should accept it, but they didn’t. They are not sorry for bullying this woman.. they are sorry they got caught doing it…

      Report Post »  
    • ERP
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 10:29am

      It’s sad that it took a Canadian to do what an American should have done first. What is wrong with the people in my country?

      Report Post » ERP  
    • AnAmericanToo
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 10:53am

      Jaycen: Why would Mrs. Klein “accept the apology of the monster kids like a nice person would.?” Well, Jaycen — the $700,000 was raised by whom? the four monster boys and their family? OR was the money raised by a Canadian from thousands of people from around the world.

      The monster kids did not apologize directly to Mrs. Klein. They expressed empty words about being sorry after a mirror was shown to them after they posted their self recorded bullying activities.

      No, Jaycen, a ‘nice person’ does not have to be a door mat to these rotten children. One does get to realize when one is surrounded by evil people and acknowledge bad acts. If the children look into their rotten souls and make this a life changing moments for themselves ….good for them and, most importantly, for society. But to expect this woman to accept an insincere apology from children who not only bullied her more than once but in this 10 minute self-recorded video and THEN POSTED for the world to see her crying…..no, this woman has no obligation as a ‘nice person’ to give these children pat on the head and say, ‘oh, that’s okay. boys will be boys after all”.

      Report Post »  
  • 3monkeysmomma
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 11:10pm

    God bless you Max.
    May you reap what you have sown.

    Report Post » 3monkeysmomma  
  • Mr.Fitnah
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 11:05pm

    She had better make the money last the rest of her life.
    Sure donate some but this isnt going to happen again.

    Report Post » Mr.Fitnah  
  • lketchum
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 10:49pm

    Max Sidorov will enjoy ten-fold the number of blessings he has ensured for Mrs. Klein.

    He’s set a wonderful example for all of us.

    Report Post » lketchum  
  • Lost Rebel
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 9:05pm

    Honestly, I believe Klein should donate a small portion to Sidorov. He didn’t have to do this for her. Her life is forever changed as a result of his effort. It would be a Christian thing to do to offer him a small portion of the proceeds in my humble opionion.

    Report Post » Lost Rebel  
    • Want our country back
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 9:19pm

      10 or 15 or even 20% would be appreciated…..and well deserved.

      Report Post » Want our country back  
    • luxlife
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 2:20am

      Well, how very progressive of you both. Would that be his ‘fair share’ ?

      Report Post » luxlife  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 2:57am

      Lost Rebel,

      Can I just ask, who the hell are you to dictate what “the Christian thing to do” would be? Exactly when did you become God, much less Jesus Christ?

      Why don’t we let the woman live her own life, and let God judge her actions? Just a thought.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
  • Maxim Crux
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 8:49pm

    I wish some little bastards would treat me like that so someone could raise that kind of money on my behalf. It sure would help out a lot. Seriously, the woman was treated badly for sure, but donating that kind of money to her alone….what good is it really? It will be interesting to see what she does with the money.

    Report Post »  
    • luxlife
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 2:21am

      Green with envy of the green.

      Report Post » luxlife  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 2:54am

      Indeed Lux. Holy crap, the number of so-called “Conservatives” on The Blaze who know better how others should or could use their money. It’s disheartening.

      Grow up, people. Stop the envy. Focus on your own life instead of the lives of others, and maybe you wouldn’t have such a hard life.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
  • Conservative-Atheist
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 8:46pm

    Great! This Max is a great guy with a good heart. Way to go!

    Report Post » Conservative-Atheist  
  • Rip Curly
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 8:23pm

    Thank you for following up, Blaze! I was hoping that she’s get the money! Classy move on her part to donate a portion to charity. Love does, indeed, make the world go ’round.

    Report Post »  
    • Fishmanone
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 5:31am

      God bless him for what he did!!! The amount of money is not important! Its people like Max that give me hope for this great country of ours!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • OlefromMN
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 8:09pm

    It is saddening to see how many on here view the dollar amount rather than the action.

    Report Post » OlefromMN  
  • Zcat
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 8:03pm

    Well—he’s a pretty man!!!

    Report Post »  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 2:59am

      He’s Canadian, eh? It’s kind of like that for a lot of “men” up there. It’s like being European.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 7:49pm

    …
    Wish the teens who bullied her, would have to appear on TV to apologize.
    They need to be taught a harsh lesson. Maybe it would save them and others, from committing worse crimes, and becoming career criminals.

    Those teens better be very thankful, that Karen Klein did not press criminal charges for poking her with their fingers and books, and making threats about sticking a knife in her, and threats about coming to her house to rob her.

    Report Post »  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 3:01am

      Listen, the hard reality is these kids will not appologize. They will face no consequences, because their HORRIBLE parents already created monsters. They’re not about to start being parents at this late stage of the game.

      You and I will end up paying to incarcerate the brats in another 10 years.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
  • von der Recht
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 7:45pm

    I’m glad this lady will actually get this money.

    Now, I want to hear about the kid’s punishment. A year of no school bus with the parents having to make some kind of special transportation arrangement would be sufficient.

    Report Post »  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 7:35pm

    …
    Karen Klein plans to donate part of the money to support Down syndrome research.
    Her Grandchild has Down syndrome This is a cause that’s also near and dear to my heart.
    Hope all her Grandchildren will be able to go on the vacation trip with her.

    Report Post »  
  • NikitaAnne
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 7:25pm

    Watching this woman belittled and disrespected brought tears to my eyes…so did this article but this time I wasn’t horrified and filled with anger. Enjoy your retirement with dignity :)

    Report Post »  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 7:21pm

    …
    Max Sidorov is a great guy.
    He’s an Angel on Earth.
    God Bless him ten fold.

    Report Post »  
  • ricckky
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 7:11pm

    This guy or gal “lameliberals” is so jealous he oozes of self pity and shows what the liberal commies are really like–They can’t believe how generous people are because they are so self centered. There is a place reserved for he or she in hell—may you burn for eternity you twit!!!!! God bless America!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • LameLiberals
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 6:50pm

    She was just REWARDED for FAILING AT HER JOB AS A BUS MONITOR. (20 year failure)

    If it was YOUR CHILD she FAILED TO PROTECT from bullies as a bus monitor – clap now!

    Report Post »  
    • Dde13
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 7:34pm

      Blame the victim??? Really??? Have you been on the bus for 20 years to make that judgemen? Sounds like you blame her than rather than the kids….in my book your no better than the kids are….

      Report Post »  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 3:03am

      Lame,

      Please go read the original article. You obviously don‘t have a clue as to what’s going on in this story.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
  • LameLiberals
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 6:48pm

    The SHEEPLE are so stupid.

    She ALLOWED God knows how many children to to bullied on the bus … SHE SHOULD SPLIT THAT MONEY with the children she let down ……BOTTOM LINE: the SHEEPLE GAVE HER FOR FAILING TO DO HER JOB!!-

    While it was wrong for the kids to bully her. SHE WAS BLEEPED on that video also. How many times in the past did she BLEEP at the kids.

    Her UNION SCHOOL JOB was to be a BUS MONITOR. SHE FAILED. Yet her UNION kept her on the job.

    Report Post »  
  • OlefromMN
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 6:38pm

    I love it. It shows a new way we can help others when we see they are wronged. Keep the darn government out of this as well. I believe I read something to the effect this will not be taxed? Is that correct?

    Report Post » OlefromMN  
    • Walls122
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 7:32pm

      I agree about keeping government out and helping eachother out… but seriously… to garner the kind of sympathy and earn the money she did from being picked on by a kid, to preform her job… Baffleing. In no way do I agree with the kids, but what happened to “sticks and stones”? Anyone that has worked with youth or troubled youth have experienced similar behavior. That‘s why you’re there… sometimes you can stop it and make it a teaching experience, other times you can’t… and you turn that into a learning/teaching experience. I get it, some people aren’t cut out to just say “dumb kids, don’t know what they are talking about” and aren’t able to chalk it up to being young, dumb and disrespectful (not excusing behavior). Next time a police officer gets picked on and melts down, lets reward and retire him! He shouldn’t be in that position anyways…

      Report Post »  
  • GoodStuff
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 6:38pm

    Pay it forward. Individuals helping individuals. The way it’s supposed to be. Instead if depending on a remote, distant, uncaring government bureaucracy whose money came from the taxpayers whether they wanted to pay those taxes or not. Real charity is when somone WANTS to help and meets that individual face to face and says “here.”

    The recipient will be much more grateful if charity is done that way; and they’ll be more likely to pay it forward. As oppossed to a welfare recipient who gets a check in the mail from a nameless face.

    Report Post »  
  • AnimalsAsLeaders
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 6:36pm

    On one hand, I think it was a very nice gesture to raise money to give this lady a nice vacation. But I just can‘t shake the fact that there are SO many people who are abused in MUCH more severe ways than her and it’s bizzare that because her abuse was videotaped and put on YouTube, she gets all of this star treatment. Like I said, it‘s not that I don’t think this was a nice story, it’s just bizzare to me. There are about a billion other people being abused out there that could use a $700,000 vacation…

    Report Post » AnimalsAsLeaders  
    • luxlife
      Posted on June 28, 2012 at 2:26am

      What are you doing about it – besides moaning?

      Report Post » luxlife  
  • sharonl
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 6:19pm

    If he is in need of mney, she should certainly help him out now.

    Report Post » sharonl  
  • disque-0-duc
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 6:14pm

    Thank the Lord, there are still some decent and good people in this world.

    Report Post » disque-0-duc  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on June 27, 2012 at 6:23pm

      Amazing how generous people are when the government isn’t telling them where to spend their hard-earned dollars.

      Report Post »  
  • TNT75
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 6:07pm

    Awesome! I wish her all the best. Lil brats need to be taken out to the woodshed and taught a lesson.

    Report Post » TNT75  
  • SLOWBIDEN
    Posted on June 27, 2012 at 6:04pm

    Sweet

    Report Post »  
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