A Facebook post has gone viral on social media after an expat driver offered help by giving free taxi services to people who are unemployed and seeking jobs here in Qatar.
34-year-old Linto Thomas, originally from Malayattoor, Ernakulam District in Kerala, still can't believe that his simple offer would be 'liked and shared' by thousands of people after posting it on a Facebook page named Qatar Malayalees, where he is one among the 140,000 members.
Linto who works as a driver for a private transport company said:
"I know there are newcomers here looking for work, struggling to submit their CVs and attend interviews. Due to financial problems, they have no means to ride a taxi and that is why they walk long distances to the Karwa bus station. Please call if you are having a hard time. Contact me and I will take you where you need to go as long as I am free during the time."
He said the free taxi offer is open to everyone, adding:
"People who are looking for a new job and are really in need can call me because I know what they are going through. When my brother brought me to Qatar 13 years ago, I struggled to look for jobs because of limited funds. I remember I only had QR 9 for Karwa bus tickets when I went to search for work. I had to walk long distances in the heat to submit my CV, I used to be drenched in sweat and it was very hard."
According to Linto Thomas, ever since his post went viral, he started receiving calls and so far has given taxi services to people who went for job interviews, to hospitals, etc.
When asked who inspired this heartwarming gesture, he said:
"My inspirations are my mother, my elder brother, my wife and son. I try to follow what my mother has been doing, even though she doesn't have enough money, she still manages to give to those in need.
I also look up to my elder brother because I have grown up seeing him help the underprivileged in our community back home in Kerala. They helped others with whatever means and resources they had."
Linto says that perhaps the reason why he and his brother have become drivers is for them to someday drive for people in need for free. He used to work as a driver for Almarai and Baladna.
He added:
"I'm doing this because I believe that what you do unto others will come back to you. If we do good things for other people, God will surely bless us and our next generation."
Thomas said he misses his wife and son and wishes that they can visit him again here in Qatar.
When asked for his message to the people of Qatar, he has this to say:
"Help others as much as we can. Help people who are financially struggling in any way possible. Share your blessings."
Cover image credit: Linto Thomas
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