Derek Rivers’ gives Lyft driver a new perspective with his random act of kindness

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A little compassion can go a long way.

A Rhode Island Lyft driver by the name of Mary Vilorio was in for a surprise one day after she got a request from New England Patriots defensive end Derek Rivers. Here’s how it all went down:

It was the day after Super Bowl LII and 46-year-old Vilorio was working for Lyft in the Foxborough area when she got a request from someone named 'Derek.' He noted that he would be paying for the ride, but it was actually for someone else.

When she arrived, Rivers explained to her that the man the ride was for needed to get to Fall River, which was about an hour away.

“He was just very carrying about it, and the two of them were talking about the Bible,” Vilorio said. “I didn’t think anything of it, and then when I got in the car, the man started talking about how he was homeless, was struggling with alcohol, and that the person who had just helped him played for the Patriots. I said, ‘Really?’ Then I Googled the name ‘Derek Rivers’ and it was the same person. I was like ‘OMG!’”

Vilorio said that Rivers’ caring and considerate demeanor for others was what made that trip so memorable.

“I learned how people who have a lot of money can be very humble,” she said. “You could see his devotion to God because he was talking about the Bible and said, ‘God bless you.’”

“Everyone has an opportunity to be kind.”

Besides making her day and giving her a positive, new perspective, Rivers also generously tipped Vilorio. The trip cost $66, and he added a $35 tip.

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