Single dad and Tada driver gives free rides to those in need, autistic son is his motivation
For most private-hire drivers, every trip is about earning a living.
But for Wilson Yu, it is also about giving back.
The 38-year-old single father, who drives with ride-hailing platform Tada, often offers free or heavily discounted rides to passengers who are in need, such as those who are deaf or battling medical issues like cancer.
"I just hope to bring more kindness to this world because of my bad experiences," he told Stomp.
"When I help people, maybe I 'waste' my own time and two or three dollars, but to them, $20 or $30 might mean a few meals.
"Why not help?"
Wilson was once a civil servant. When his son, who has autism, needed more of his time, he made the difficult decision to leave the stability of his job.
"The last two years were a struggle," he said. "I needed time flexibility to look after my child and I felt I needed to be fair to my colleagues, since I sometimes had to leave the office to tend to him."
Driving with Tada gave him control over his schedule.
"It allowed me to look after my child better," he shared. "He is my motivation, and I am doing everything for him."
Caring for his son has shaped every part of Wilson's daily routine.
"It is hectic at home, so we 'make safe' everything that could endanger him," he explained. "For example, we lock the kitchen door and don't put things on the table because he doesn't know the dangers."
A typical day starts early.
Wilson drives in the morning before returning home at around 10am or 11am to see his son, have lunch together, and help him pack his bag before sending him off to school.
He resumes driving until about 5pm and takes a break to play with his son before continuing with the night shift.
"That is what I appreciate about ride-hailing," he said. "The flexibility to be home whenever I want and need."
Wilson knows the challenges of raising a child with special needs, and wishes others could better understand what families like his go through.
"Autism is a spectrum," he said. "It is not easy for families to raise children with special needs, especially those who are low-functioning.
"I wish there were more support for families with autism as it is very tough on us."
He admitted that his biggest challenge is simply being a single father: "I just hope my child can be healthy and happy, and that I can support him in his life.
"My dream is to look after him his whole life, and I even hope to outlive him."
When asked about resilience, Wilson reflected: "To me, it is not so much about resilience because my child cannot choose to be born to this family.
"I chose to have him, so it is my responsibility and love towards him that drives me."
