Over a period, he has lost silverware, food, a Freeview decoder and two cars. The latest car theft was on October 9 and it was taken by a teenage girl right before his eyes. This time it was written off.
Unable to afford insurance, Mr Hayes has been left without a car since.
The phones in our newsroom have been running hot since we reported this story. So too have comments on our website and Facebook page.
Locals are genuinely disgusted that fellow humans can treat our senior citizens in this way.
They have put their money where their mouths are and have opened their wallets and their hearts. Within just over a day, not only one car but two cars were offered to Mr Hayes.
He has accepted the offer from rental car company Rent-a-Dent which is passing on one of its fleet to him.
This is a massive gesture from the firm - during a time when all businesses are struggling to make a buck.
Other firms have also offered to provide security systems and Arawa Auto Electrical has given a car alarm and free installation. Locals have given money to The Daily Post and deposited funds into a local bank account organised by kind residents through a Facebook page. A collection has also been started at What's Cooking Lunch Bar.
What our residents have done is show Mr Hayes life is worth living after all and there are so many more good people to outnumber the bad eggs.
This city's generosity is truly awesome and makes me proud to be a local.
What do you think?
Email editor@dailypost.co.nz, text DP then your message to 021 241 4568, or write to editor, PO Box 1442, Rotorua.
