A GoFundMe fundraiser started by Paul Darcy has reached well over €40,000 in just six hours.
A fundraiser created by Paul Darcy through the platform GoFundMe has reached approximately €41,000 in just six hours.
Titled ‘Buy Caio Benicio a pint’, the fundraiser was set up so the people of Ireland can buy Ciao Benicio a pint in thanks for his heroic actions during yesterday’s stabbing incident in Dublin’s City Centre.
Benicio works as a delivery driver for Deliveroo and was on his motorbike for work yesterday, November 23, when he saw a man with a knife attacking a young girl on Parnell Square East.
Immediately, the 43-year-old Brazilian dismounted his bike, took off his helmet, and hit the attacker with it.
Benicio gave his first interview to journalists at The Journal last night, where he said: “I didn’t even make a decision, it was pure instinct, and it was all over in seconds. He fell to the ground, I didn’t see where knife went, and other people stepped in.
“I have two kids myself, so I had to do something. I did what anyone would do. People were there but they couldn’t step in because he was armed, but I knew I could use my helmet as a weapon.”
In the caption of the GoFundMe page, Paul Darcy has commented: “Deliveroo driver Caio Benicio was on his motorbike when he saw a man with a knife attacking a young girl on Parnell Square East.
“Caio got off his bike, took off his helmet, and hit the attacker with it.
“The man’s a hero and the least we can do is buy him a pint so I’m asking you to donate the price of a pint of Guinness in your local to Caio so that he knows the people of Dublin appreciate him.”
After setting up the fundraiser, a GoFundMe worker got in touch with Caio and Mr Darcy has confirmed the worker is “adding him as a beneficiary of this campaign so all of the money will be transferred directly to him.”
Benicio came to Ireland for work after his restaurant burned down in Brazil. He hopes his children can come here one day.
Caio was saddened to see the chaos on Dublin’s streets last night – with anti-immigrant sentiments being expressed by rioters and far-right actors.
“It looks like they hate immigrants. Well I am an immigrant, and I did what I could to try and save that little girl,” Benicio said.
To donate to the fundraiser for Caio – click here.
More information on the stabbing incident and subsequent riots as the news unfolds.