Help for a man searching through the trash in Havana and his gratitude is moving: "Anything but stealing."

The man has his father hospitalized. Despite his difficult situation, he does whatever it takes to earn money, except for stealing.


The youtuber Iván Valdés Permuy, known as Listillo Cubano, had a beautiful gesture towards a man he saw searching in the trash in Havana, and the man's gratitude was moving.

Listillo approached the young man, who identified himself as Damián, and told him that he was trying to find some food for the four chickens he raises.

Damián revealed that each bucket of food for the birds costs him between 200 and 300 pesos, and in response, Listillo gave him some money. The young man, astonished, told him that he has his father hospitalized and that the money will help him buy medicine.

Deeply grateful, he knelt in the middle of the street and bowed before the youtuber, who felt moved.

"I start fighting, selling flowers, whatever comes my way. (...) I move around here and there to see what I can gather. Anything except stealing," Damián stated.

The video, shared on Instagram, has gone viral in less than a day.

Listillo Cubano has become known for pranks with hidden cameras, social experiments and assisting those in need whom he meets on the streets.

Recently, he helped an elderly man who admitted to feeling dizzy and weak because he hadn't had breakfast. He gave him money to buy an ice cream and to ensure he could eat properly.

On another occasion, he surprised a street vendor in Havana on the day of his 84th birthday. He congratulated him, but before leaving, he had the same gesture he usually makes in these situations: he gifted him a generous amount of money.

Frequently Asked Questions about Humanitarian Aid in Cuba and the Economic Situation

Who is Listillo Cubano and what kind of content does he create?

Listillo Cubano is the stage name of Cuban YouTuber Iván Valdés Permuy. He is known for creating hidden camera videos and social experiments that showcase the economic and social reality of Cuba, often focusing on the humor and solidarity of Cubans in times of crisis.

What was Listillo Cubano's gesture towards Damián and why was it significant?

Cuban Listillo helped Damián, a man who was searching through the trash to feed his chickens, by giving him money. This gesture was significant because Damián, in addition to being in a precarious economic situation, has his father hospitalized and needed the money for medicine. Damián's gratitude, as he knelt on the street, shows the deep emotion and appreciation for the YouTuber's act of solidarity.

What is the economic situation of the elderly in Cuba according to the provided context?

The elderly in Cuba are facing a critical economic situation due to inflation and the dollarization of the economy. Their pensions, which usually do not exceed two thousand pesos, are insufficient to cover basic needs such as food, placing them among the most vulnerable groups in the Cuban population.

What other humanitarian actions have Cuban influencers undertaken abroad?

Several Cuban influencers abroad have engaged in humanitarian actions, such as giving money and food to those in need. For example, Dairon Cano has assisted a Peruvian elderly man in the U.S. and a newly arrived Venezuelan mother in the United States, demonstrating the charitable spirit of the Cuban community outside the island.

What message does Listillo Cubano convey with his social aid videos?

Cuban Listillo seeks to expose the reality of Cubans and highlight solidarity and good humor in times of crisis. Through its videos, it not only showcases the economic difficulties faced by the population but also their resilience and willingness to help others despite adversities.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.