Silmar Meneses has been working at the beach for a year and received help after a customer saw him return to the shop still burned
On Santos beach, on the coast of Sao Paulo, Silmar Meneses, 54, is already known by colleagues and customers. The street vendor, who operates selling cheeses and roasts on Canal 1, has always tried to create a bond of friendship with consumers. What he didn’t imagine was all the love he would receive after suffering a serious accident while trying to light a barbecue at home.
To the EarthSilmar says he suffered burns on 30% of his body when he tried to light the barbecue with alcohol: “I burned both arms, the ribs, the face, the lip. Even the vocal cords were affected and not I could talk, I had to have a tracheostomy.”
After 30 days in hospital without being able to work, Silmar found himself in a delicate financial situation: two months of rent arrears and without a close family support network in Santos: his family lives in Minas Gerais. It was in this difficult moment that the solidarity of a customer, Flávia Cecatto, came into play.
“Since I only earn by working, I was already desperate. On high season days I earn between R$3,000 a day and, on normal days, around R$400. So imagine 30 days without working, I was very worried. I was already suffering humiliation due to late rent, running the risk of being evicted. However, I still kept faith in God,” says the street vendor.
Flávia, after seeing Silmar’s efforts working despite his burns, posted a supportive post on social media asking for financial help for the street vendor. The post gained prominence in a regional newspaper, sparking an incredible outpouring of support. “After receiving this help, I am resting, because because of the burns I can’t sunbathe. Because it is very sensitive, so it could cause skin cancer, more damage later,” explains Silmar.
The financial support not only eased his worries about overdue bills, rent, electricity and water, but also allowed him to focus on recovery. “This help came at a very good time because I had debts and I was already worried about what I would do. If I could, I would find all the people who donated and thank them one by one, I was moved.”
Accident and wave of solidarity
Still with his face and arms badly burned, Silmar describes the impact of the accident on his life and how help came when he needed it most. “When I threw the alcohol, the fire came. Then it caught fire and the bottle exploded. I went to take off my shirt which was on fire. My neighbors heard the noise and came to help me. Then they called Samu. When Samu arrived I fainted,” he recalls.
Solidarity was not limited to social media. Silmar, known for its attentive service and care for customers, highlights the support of the local community, including colleagues at the kiosks, who have offered help in the face of difficulties. “Even the guys at the kiosks offered me help. They like me a lot,” he says.
Flávia, the client who started the campaign, was concerned about Silmar’s health and asked him to fully recover before returning to work on the beach. “She spoke to me and guided me. The day I went to work I even felt sick. I had a fever because I couldn’t sunbathe yet,” she says.
Financial aid has gone beyond borders, with people from different places contributing a total that now reaches R$16,000. “People outside of Brazil also helped me, there were many. Until the day of this interview I had already received R$ 16 thousand, but the Piz continue to arrive. And it happened very quickly, he posted, he had this repercussion and everything started It’s time for notifications from Pix”, reveals an excited Silmar.
Love for the beach
Silmar, originally from Itaúna, Minas Gerais, chose Santos as his home about a year ago, attracted by the beach and the possibility of selling his products by the sea. “I have always seen the beach on television. I had never been to the beach. The first time was when I came to live here, in Baixada”, he explains.
The move to Santos was not easy and Silmar initially faced financial difficulties: “I also suffered from hunger. Then I met a boy who worked with cheese here. I worked with him for 15 days, then he said, you are very good, you have to work for yourself.”
Passion for work
Speaking of the seaside community, Silmar highlights the affection of customers and colleagues. “Now I’m even more sure of how much they like me after this accident, everyone hugged me. The best part is the customers, the friends. Everyone helped me,” he says emotionally.
The street vendor also added that he believes he received this welcome because he always appreciated providing good service. “I always work in this region between Canal 1 and Emissário [ponto turístico em Santos]. I am very attentive to my customers, there are tourists who come from São Paulo and other places who already know me and only buy from me, I think it is because of the good service and my affection for people”, she analyzes.
Silmar extols his love for working on the beach, highlighting the satisfaction of meeting new people and making friends. “Look, I’ll tell you the truth. I love working here on the beach. I’m a bricklayer. I don’t want to be a bricklayer, I want to stay here and sell my cheese, my meat. And I will always be very grateful to God for what happened to me “he says enthusiastically.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
