An Unforgettable Challenge

At Arcos Dorados we want to highlight the life stories that make us proud and that we can learn from. In this edition, we will learn about the moving story of Kleber Marques de Carvalho, an Arcos Dorados Trainer in Brazil.

It all started with a meme by @chapolinsincero, a humorous Instagram account with more than 16 million followers. With the hashtag #ChapolinChallenge, they challenged well-known restaurants to donate food to the homeless. In just a few hours, its publication went viral and spread throughout the entire social network.

Arcos Dorados Brazil accepted the #ChapolinChallenge and organized an event to deliver 200 Big Mac combos. “Because we always challenge ourselves here. That’s why we have programs to help others throughout the year,” said McDonald’s Brazil in an Instagram post.

This news was a surprise for Kleber Marques de Carvalho. This 24-year-old had lived for a long time at Centro De Acolhida Zaki Narchi 2, a homeless shelter in São Paulo. Starting to work at the Company two years ago was a great opportunity to transform his life. In just six months, he was able to leave the shelter and rent his own apartment.

When he learned about Arcos Dorados’ participation in the #ChapolinChallenge, Kleber was reminded of the place that had welcomed him at the most trying time of his life. So when he was selected to lead the project, he proposed that the food be delivered to the shelter where he spent much of his life.

“I got the invitation on a Sunday, at about 7:00 p.m., when the topic was trending on social networks. I got a call from my Manager, who told me what the Chapolin challenge was about and asked me what I thought about leading the project. At that moment, I remembered Zaki Narchi 2, which had been my home for a long time. I asked if we could donate the food to the shelter instead of on the street. They accepted my proposal.”

The #ChapolinChallenge was a true celebration for everyone who participated in the event. Returning to the shelter made Kleber very happy. It was an opportunity to reunite with important people in his life: “Lots of people recognized me and came over to give me a hug to thank me. It was very moving.”

Kleber’s experience is an important lesson. It teaches us that we can all transform our lives with effort and we must never forget to be grateful to those who helped us succeed. “They were able to see the old Kleber and the new Kleber, and that made everyone hopeful. If I was able to change my life, so can they. It makes me very happy to know that my experience inspired people,” he said.

Today, Kleber has his own home, aspires to obtain a degree in Business Administration and move forward with his career in the Restaurant. “McDonald’s changed my life, so I’ll never leave here. Before, I didn’t have the means or the motivation to live and this job opportunity allowed me to rebuild my life and set real goals for myself. I hope to keep moving forward in life and to bring good people, like those from the shelter, along with me.”