On Saturday, the news broke of the passing of Paul Ross, known online as PFK Kid. He gained fame through a viral clip from the 1979 documentary “Pea Soup” by Pierre Falardeau. In this clip, a six-year-old Ross was interviewed by Julien Poulin while eating PFK fried chicken directly from a barrel.
PFK Kid’s Dream Shopping Plans
During the interview, Ross was asked what he would do if he won a million dollars in the lottery. His whimsical response captured hearts and illustrated a child’s innocent dreams:
- Buy a motorcycle
- Purchase a Volkswagen
- Get another car
- Open a PFK franchise
- Start a Chinese restaurant
- Buy multiple houses
Ross also mentioned he would save the remaining money and not work until he had “squandered his million.” The cost of his dream list has significantly changed since 1979.
Cost Analysis for 2025
Using current estimates, we can calculate how much it would actually cost to fulfill Ross’s dreams today. Here’s a breakdown:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Moto (Gas-powered bike) | $15,000 |
| Volkswagen Jetta | $26,000 |
| Another Volkswagen Jetta | $26,000 |
| PFK Franchise | $1,500,000 |
| Chinese Restaurant | $300,000 |
| Three Family Homes in Montreal | $950,000 each |
Totaling these expenses, the cost for all items would amount to approximately $4,717,000. In contrast, the value of these dreams would have been around $1.3 million in 1979.
Conclusion
While PFK Kid’s dreams were light-hearted and innocent, they highlight how the economy and prices have drastically changed over the decades. His story reminds us of the simplicity of childhood aspirations in today’s complex financial landscape.
