Although it’s not exactly what you think it might be, this situation is one of the most moving stories I’ve heard in a while. “The Gap” in question is not the popular store featuring cheaply made clothing sold for ludicrous prices and pretention; it is rather a place in Australia. The Gap, a famous cliff on the continent, is the location where many people choose to commit suicide each year. Don Ritchie, who lives across the street from the spot, says that he has talked 160 people from taking their own lives.

For 50 years, the man has lived there, looking out his door for the hopeless people who desperately seek the spot. He then approaches them and gently tries to talk them out of their fatal decision. Can you imagine doing this every day—and not even for a living, just out of the goodness of your own heart? This guy is a real modern day hero. Given that an average of one person each week commits suicide at the cliff, he’s obviously reduced the possible rate that could exist instead. And when the 84-year-old man catches someone who is determined to jump, he’s even restrained people from jumping while his wife phones the police.

Ritchie says that he doesn’t do much—he smiles at them, starts talking with them, and even invites them back to his house for tea. Can you imagine doing this with one stranger, let alone a new stranger or more every day? Many of these people probably don’t even have people in their own lives who would extend such a warm invitation, else they probably wouldn’t be on the cliff.

A former insurance salesman, Ritchie is now retired and living in the spot with his wife. Though many might find the location of their home desolate and depressing, they enjoy living there and helping people. Talk about post-retirement volunteer work!

I wish I could help people like Ritchie does, on such a significant, personal level. When I think of all the things I try to do to help others in my life, they just don’t add up to this incredible man and his daily work. I hope that by the time I’m his age, I can find something that I could do well and help save people, too. In the meantime, we can all keep working toward a healthier, better world while Mr. Ritchie, too, does his thing!