Fundraiser far exceeds goal for Detroit man with 21-mile walk to work

Not long ago, Detroit resident James Robertson was trudging 21 miles to work. Today, he's driving there in style - and he's got enough money to buy gas for a long time.

An online fundraiser has collected more than $350,000 for Robertson, according to the Detroit Free Press.

After the newspaper wrote about Robertson earlier this month, Evan Leedy, a 19-year-old Wayne State University student, launched the crowdfunding campaign with an initial goal of raising $5,000 to buy him a car. Robertson, 56, met Leedy to express his gratitude.

The newspaper reported that over $350,000 was raised. On Friday, Robertson was given a donated Ford Taurus by a car dealer.

But Robertson told USA Today that his story has turned him into a local celebrity.

"I went to the casino on Saturday, and people wanted to get their pictures taken with me," he told the newspaper.

Last week, Robertson spoke about how if felt after his story inspired people to pitch in to help buy him a car.

"When you're used to something, you go through it and you think there's brighter days ahead for you," Robertson said.

He said his commute was physically and mentally grueling.

"You have to really gear yourself up to do it," he said.

While Robertson said faith has kept him going, he told Nair that the kindness of strangers, and his deep connection to Detroit have now lifted him up.

"This is Detroit. We're the comeback city. Forget Los Angeles. Detroit is the real city of angels," he said.