Lê Minh Thiện and his "free rides for the underprivileged" sign. — Photo tienphong.vn

HCM City — Lê Minh Thiện, 23, from Thủ Đức, Hồ Chí Minh City, is widely known on social media for his good deeds.

As a Grab driver, Thiện, whose name translates to English as "Goodwill", has been giving free rides to the elderly and the disabled since 2017.

Because of his family's hardships, Thiện had to become the main breadwinner after graduating from high school and worked many jobs to make ends meet.

Seeing old people and the disabled hustling in the streets, Thiện resolved to offer free rides for the elderly from 6am to 5pm daily.

"My mom scolded me because I cannot make more money that way," said Thiện. "But I told her I want to help those in need."

"There was this one time I saw this blind old man who sells lottery tickets on the streets. I drove him to his destination and refused the money when he tried to give me some. But later, when I got home, I saw that the money was in my pocket, with a note that said 'Please help me to help other disadvantaged people.'"

As a Grab driver, Thiện spends more time outside than at home. He has been robbed four times and stabbed once but luckily pulled through. He even overcame negative comments from neighbours.

Although his first steps were his own, the young driver soon received help and attention from social media. Benefactors helped him with money for travel, but he used it to buy bread and water for the less privileged.

"Recently, I received help and attention from other people, but I didn't want that and returned the money. I want to do what I have been doing for the past five years," said Thiện.

Phạm Mi Sên, his Grab team leader, said: "Thiện is a kind person. His actions are normal but have great meaning. Sometimes he even gets injured in accidents when helping his guests, but he pulls through and keeps on spreading his good deeds." — VNS