‘I don’t need it anymore’: P.E.I. woman’s ring giveaway leads to Christmas proposal

A Prince Edward Island man was able to propose on Christmas Day, thanks to an engagement ring giveaway from a stranger on Facebook.

Martina Boreland said she decided to part with an engagement ring from her past marriage, hoping it could help someone else take the next step in their love story.

“I don’t need it anymore,” Boreland said. “I wanted to give someone something really meaningful and special that they could share with the love of their life, especially around Christmas.”

Boreland posted about the giveaway weeks ago, seeking someone hardworking who was saving up. She said she received about a dozen responses, but one message was more meaningful than the rest.

“It was just so beautiful and so touching,” she said. “It was really easy to pick him.”

That message came from Kalen Macadam, who wrote about his partner, Amanda Rogers, and the life they had built together. In the note, he wrote:

“…She’s the definition of my world, she changed me for the better and brought me out of such a dark spot in my life. She gave me more than I ever thought anyone ever could … I’ve been trying and trying to save up for a ring for her, but life just won’t let me.”

Boreland and Macadam met in downtown Charlottetown for the ring handover.

Boreland called it bittersweet, but mostly sweet.

“If I can help a young family that is truly working hard and trying to get ahead… why not give that to somebody?’

Macadam was moved by Boreland’s generosity.

“My whole heart is melted,” he said.

Macadam explained he wanted to propose for a long time, but everyday costs kept taking priority.

“It’s just bills and everything else like that is simply more important, taking care of the children,” he said. “It’ll take a financial burden, we could say, off our shoulders.”

Macadam and Rogers met through Facebook and connected quickly. After messaging back and forth, they started meeting up for dinners, and “one thing led to the next.” Now they are four years into their relationship.

He says Rogers “blessed” him with a life as a stepfather to her 8-year-old son. Together, they also have a daughter who was born last year, along with five animals.

“I don’t think I could ask for a better woman, nor would I want to,” Macadam said.

On Christmas morning, Macadam got down on one knee. Rogers said yes.