Tractor Donated to Fire Victims Near Omiš
Zdravko Jeličić from Muć has been helping those in need for years, and today he went a step further by deciding to give his tractor to people who lost everything in the fire.
Zdravko Jeličić from Muć has been helping those in need for years, and today he went a step further by deciding to give his tractor to people who lost everything in the fire.
Zdravko Jeličić from Muć spent his birthday, August 18, 2026, handing out young potatoes in front of the Split fish market, and then announced a donation of a tractor to the victims of the catastrophic fire near Omiš. This humanitarian has been coming to Split by bus for months to distribute his homegrown produce to those who need it most.
On one occasion, Zdravko handed out 200 homegrown eggs in just 11 minutes, and he says those 11 minutes were among the best of his life. To date, he has distributed over 900 kilograms of chard, onions, and potatoes, as well as more than 2,000 eggs.
In addition to handing out food on his birthday, Zdravko decided to help people affected by the fire in Omiš, where many lost everything they had built over the years in a single evening.
"I wish I could help them more, but the tractor is all I have, and I decided to give it to those who need it most. I know how hard life can be when you face losses, so there's no need to overthink it-you just help," Zdravko told Index.hr.
His selflessness stems from his own tragedy. After losing his wife Dragica in a traffic accident in 2019, he was left alone with a minor daughter. In his darkest moments, help came from people he didn't know, and now he's paying that kindness forward.
His kindness has now come back to him in the most beautiful way. The people he has helped banded together and raised money for his driving test, because Zdravko doesn't have a license and takes the bus to Split.
"They really made my day, and it will make things much easier and help me come more often and bring more stuff. I'm currently taking the test, and then I'll be driving. Unfortunately, when I take the bus, I can't bring much, and I'd love to help everyone. It doesn't even have to be someone in need-it could just be someone craving homegrown eggs or potatoes. I don't ask for proof to see if someone is financially struggling; I share with everyone," he said.
Zdravko is already a familiar face in front of the Split fish market. People recognize him, stop him, and thank him for the help he provides. One passerby who met him says it's his sincerity that sets him apart.
"What can I say, he helps so much and does it all with a pure heart. He doesn't ask people for papers to check if they're poor. There are few people like him today, and I truly hope all this goodness comes back to him one day," she said.
For his humanitarian work and selfless help, he has already received certificates of appreciation from Split, Kaštela, and the Municipality of Muć, as well as from several associations, and he has been nominated for the Pride of Croatia award. He says he's glad when people recognize and appreciate his work, but awards aren't what matter most to him.
His greatest joy comes from moments when he can bring a smile to someone's face or at least lighten the burden of hard times. And if his example inspires someone else to do a good deed, he considers that enough.
