87-year-old DoorDash driver got lost delivering food — one customer’s response changed her life overnight
She also started a GoFundMe page for him to help him retire
Sometimes, crossing paths with a stranger can bring about life's biggest blessings. Joe Symonds, an 87-year-old man from Vancouver, had been delivering for DoorDash for more than a year, trying to make ends meet. During one delivery attempt, he took a wrong turn and accidentally met Alyona Dikiy. After making conversation, she was shocked when he told her his age, KGW News reported. Dikiy did not like that Symonds had to work so hard at his age, and gave him $100 so he could take the day off. But that was not where her kindness ended. She took a video of him and let the internet do the rest.
'I've had a few issues on flat ground'
During their first encounter, Symonds told Dikiy that he had been working for DoorDash to pay off his debt and his medication. Even though Symonds was grateful for a job, it was not easy for someone his age. He specifically had problems climbing stairs during his deliveries. He added, "I've had a few issues on flat ground where I've managed to trip myself and fall down. Fortunately, nothing serious has happened." This did not sit well with Dikiy because she could not imagine her grandparents working at that age. After giving him $100, she recorded a video of Symonds with his permission and shared it online. She also started a GoFundMe page for him to help him retire.
Angel donations
When the donations reached $400, Dikiy called Symonds to let him know that he could take a few days off from making deliveries, but they were both shocked when the donations climbed to $30,000 within just a few days. Symonds was eternally grateful to everyone who helped him financially. He relayed his message through the news outlet, saying, "I think you're the kindest, most fantastic people that I could imagine. I never thought there were people like that — people who would donate to a complete stranger they had never met." Seeing strangers help Symonds restored her faith in humanity, and she said, "I think that a lot of people have really good hearts." To this, Symonds responded by calling her "his angel."
Community kindness
Acts of generosity became less common in 2024. A Gallup survey revealed that people donated and helped less in 2024 compared to 2023. Only 33% of adults worldwide said they donated money. While 56% helped a stranger the month before. The National Philanthropic Trust also reported that the majority of charitable money in 2024 went to religion (23%), human services (14%), education (14%), benefits for the public (11%), and grantmaking foundations (11%). People are still donating to Joe Symonds' GoFundMe page. At the time of writing, Dikiy has raised $48,215 out of $100K for Symonds.
'It wasn't a wrong turn,' netizens say
People are applauding Alyona Dikiy's kindness towards Symonds, a man she just met while cleaning her car. @KathyF-s9m commented, "It wasn’t a wrong turn. It was a right turn, guided by Divine Providence. Bless both of them. This is so heartwarming." @shardetmcdade736 added, "Sitting here fed up with all the negative videos, and yours pops up. Thank you for posting this beautiful story."
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