Who was behind London’s big banana giveaway? Now we know. – CBC News [2023-07-19]

Months after spreading potassium and positivity across London, the man who gave out thousands of free bananas and sparked speculation from hundreds of Londoners has agreed to share his motivations.

Tyler Lockhart, 21, says his generosity wasn’t inspired by a thirst for fame or praise, but rather a firsthand understanding of what those in need are facing.

“I was living out of my car at the time and I saw all these people living on the street. I was reading the Bible a lot, and I wanted to be more Christlike,” said Lockhart. “I wanted to help those that needed the food right now. Not in a month, or two weeks.”

In April, CBC London published a story about Lockhart’s ‘bananthropy’ and the speculation and scavenger hunt that ensued in local online communities thanks to the mysterious nature of the generosity. One local group that focuses on giving to those in need became a hub for banana sightings, with dozens of posts showcasing the various locations Lockhart had dropped off stacks of free bananas.

Online speculation as to why someone was filling the streets with fruit ranged from undercover marketing campaigns to generosity.