Phạm Văn Cảnh (left) delivers newspapers to a commune-level Party secretary. — Photo baohatinh.vn

HÀ TĨNH — Residents of Hộ Độ Commune, central province of Hà Tĩnh, are used to seeing an old man riding his motorbike every morning delivering letters and newspapers to each doorstep.

His name is Phạm Văn Cảnh and for 30 years, rain or shine, the 69-year-old makes sure mail is delivered on time, and with a smile on his face.

Despite pushing 70, age is no barrier for this mega-mailman who loads his motorbike each day at the break of dawn with letters, parcels and newspapers, then he goes on his merry way, keeping a commune connected. 

Cảnh rides his motorbike delivering letters and newspapers to local residents.  — Photo baohatinh.vn

Cảnh said “Since I started, I knew this job is hard. But I have been assigned the task and I tell myself each day that it is my responsibility to complete my mission.”

Cảnh starts his job at 7am when he receives letters, newspapers and documents and classifies them at the commune’s post office. Then he delivers newspapers to Party secretaries of nine villages in Hộ Độ Commune first.

Cảnh recalled the first days when he traveled dozens of kilometres a day by his old push bike to deliver newspapers and letters. Then he spent his own money upgrading to a motorbike.

“I have changed motorbikes three times. The one I am riding is the old motorbike of my son who is working abroad,.” he told Hà Tĩnh local newspaper.

“There are several risks out there from the traffic and weather. On rainy days, I have to ‘protect’ the letters and newspapers by covering or wrapping them.

“It is fine to get myself wet but the letters and newspapers must not get wet,” he said.

Talking about one memorable experience during his 30 years, Cảnh said: “My bike broke down on the way and I had to walk for nearly 10km under the scorching sun to find fixing service. It took a long time to repair the bike, meanwhile, papers and letters had to be delivered in time. I had to borrow another bike to continue the work.

“There was another time when I had an accident on the way and had to take a few weeks off because I couldn't walk.”

Receiving newspapers from postman Cảnh every day, Trần Đình Dung, secretary of Vĩnh Phú Commune’s Party Committee, said “Cảnh knocks on my door every day to deliver newspapers, no matter rain or shine. He impresses me with his hardworking attitude. Now we are friends and often talk about various life stories.”

Asked about the salary, Cảnh said “The monthly wage of VNĐ3 million is enough to afford petrol. My main income is from rice harvesting and salt making.”

“But there is no problem. When everyone receives letters and newspapers they need, I feel happy,” he said.

His hard work has been recognised by local authorities. Cảnh has received certificates of merit from provincial and district post offices.

Phan Đinh Hinh, secretary of Hộ Độ Commune’s Party Committee, said through his work, Cảnh has helped bring useful information to local people. — VNS