Hero Delivery Driver Runs for Election in Ireland
In November 2023, a Brazilian man named Caio Benicio was working for the food delivery company Deliveroo, delivering food around Dublin in Ireland.
There are more than 58,000 Brazilians in Ireland but on one day last fall, Benicio became perhaps the best known Brazilian in the country.
The 43-year-old was in the center of the capital when he saw a man with a knife attacking a child. When he realized what was happening he used his motorbike helmet to hit the man, who fell down.
Three children and a woman were badly hurt.
Benicio was called a hero and people raised money to thank him for his bravery. The GoFundMe page was called "Buy Caio Benicio a pint" — meaning a pint of beer, which usually costs about $6 in Ireland.
He got enough money for more than just one beer — about $400,000, in fact.
He said he could have spent that money back at home on the beaches of Brazil but instead he has decided to stay in Ireland and run for election to Dublin city council.
"I have to give back to all those people who expect me to be their voice," he told Newstalk.
He added: "Politics is the best way to have the power to help people."
Ireland has seen more and more people from around the world moving to the country. Some have left their homes because of war, while others have come for a better life.
Irish people are known to be friendly, but not everyone is happy about the numbers of people arriving.
But Benicio believes he can give these people a voice and make a difference for all of the residents of north Dublin.
He's running for the Fianna Fáil ("FEE-uh-nh FOYL") party. The elections take place on June 7.
