"The old man of garbage" who cleans the streets of Hoi An without salary for 6 years

For the past 6 years, regardless of rain or shine, in Hoi An city, there is an old man who still pushes his homemade car around the roads and beaches to pick up unpaid garbage.

His silent contributions make the old town cleaner and more beautiful in the eyes of tourists.

6 years of unpaid garbage collection

Perhaps for a long time, the people of Hoi An city were too familiar with the image of a thin old man, sunburned skin and a gentle smile, every morning pushing a homemade car along the coastal route, just went diligently picking up every little piece of trash on the roadside.

It is Mr. Nguyen Thuong (SN 1960, residing in Phuoc Trach Street, Cua Dai Ward, Hoi An City), who is often called by the locals with the affectionate name: "The old man of garbage".

At exactly 6 a.m., in a worn-out workwear, a faded cap, and simple flip-flops, Mr. Thuong has been quietly working as an unpaid garbage picker for more than 6 years.

Sharing about the chance to come to this job, Mr. Thuong said, about 7 years ago, when he was working as a chef at a hotel in Hoi An, he suddenly collapsed due to a terrible disease. When he regained consciousness, his ears were no longer able to hear, and his limbs were paralyzed. In the most desperate moment, Mr. Thuong suddenly remembered the doctor's advice: "If you lie down in one place, your limbs will be completely paralyzed", he recalled. Determined not to surrender to fate, he struggled and worked hard to improve his health.

When he was healthy, Mr. Thuong wondered if he had to do something to repay his life. When he went to the gym, he saw plastic bags and masks being thrown indiscriminately along the road, so he came up with the idea of exercising and picking up trash to protect the environment.

At the beginning of his work, he did not dare to confide in anyone and did not want many people to know about his silent dedication. However, a few days later, the story of him "running away" to pick up trash to clean Hoi An finally reached the ears of his relatives. Worried about his health, his wife and three daughters tried to dissuade him, but he firmly refused. After enough convincing but powerless, the family also had to "give up" and obey his will.

Despite the objections of neighbors and objections from relatives, with the determination to return the word for life, Mr. Thuong patiently persuaded his family to agree to let him complete the promised work with his heart.

Like that, for the past 6 years, except for when he was sick, whether it was a sunny or rainy day, Mr. Thuong roamed around the streets and alleys to pick up trash. Wherever there is garbage, there are his footprints. Sometimes he even went to the homes of the elderly or schools to help them clean, repair the house ... without taking any remuneration.

In particular, with the money saved from picking up bottles, Mr. Thuong has "invested" in 2 cars. A stroller, a bicycle. Since then, two cars have become his companion on every unpaid garbage collection trip to clean the old town.

"As long as I have strength, I still dedicate myself to making my Hoi An more beautiful"

On the garbage trolley, Mr. Thuong also pasted many words that he wanted to convey: "For the future of our children, let's join hands to keep the environment clean - clean - beautiful", "Small actions, great meaning", "Please protect the environment, do not use plastic bags, do not throw plastic bags in public places". All these messages were created by Mr. Thuong himself; It's like calling and reminding everyone to join hands to protect the environment.

At first, many locals and tourists were curious and surprised to see an old man stooping, legs shaking, pushing an old car every day to pick up trash. Some people even got angry when he reminded them about littering; They even called him "crazy" and advised him to enjoy his old age, not to "eat at home, carry prison and general goods".

However, despite the detractors and ridicule, Mr. Thuong did not give up his job because of that. For him, the words that others object to are because they do not understand the benefits of what they are doing.

"Many people said that I was paid, so I went to pick up trash. Some people even cursed me for being crazy and having free time, so I went to work for free... I don't mind. Fortunately, after a while, my wife and children understood and I do it for my conscience and for the benefit of society, not doing anything stupid to be afraid of," said Mr. Thuong.

Gradually, the image of an old man stooping to pick up trash and beautify the old town has become familiar. Thinking, the view of the old town people about Mr. Thuong was different. People understand the situation, so they appreciate him even more. Up to now, most people living on the roads where Mr. Thuong's garbage truck rolls through every day also raise their awareness of environmental protection, put garbage in the right place, and the streets are getting cleaner and cleaner. .

It is known that in the early days of Mr. Thuong's illness, the family's burden fell on his wife's shoulders. The income of three stakes and three dong from washing dishes for rent for Ms. Bay's restaurant is not enough for her husband's medicine, so the family has to spend frugally.

However, when he received a request for assistance from the Ward People's Committee for garbage collection, Mr. Thuong firmly refused. Because, for him, this is the meaningful work that he promised to his heart, so he will do it for the rest of his life, not accept anyone's support.

"I'm old, I'm happy to see the streets clean and beautiful, but I don't expect any benefits or rewards. I will do this unpaid job until my legs can't walk, my hands can't pick up trash. Only more," said Mr. Thuong, smiling happily.

Mr. Le Cong Sy - Chairman of the People's Committee of Cua Dai Ward said that Mr. Thuong used to be a soldier stationed on Cu Lao Cham island. Despite his illness, Mr. Thuong is always enthusiastic about environmental protection. Considering his family's difficult circumstances, the locality offered financial support but he refused.

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