The internet can quite often be a sad and strange place where people go to spread their distaste for something in a completely anonymous environment.
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As a news agency we can sometimes be the focus of this distaste, or at least the earpiece for it. While social media gives our audience the opportunity to talk back, it also opens the gates to negative feedback to say the least.
This can be disheartening at times, but on Monday our online community came together in support of one of our own, and it was truly heartwarming.
The Mercury featured David Gibbs on our front cover and on our Facebook page.
The joyous young man has been working as a driveway attendant at East Maitland independently owned service station Quinn's on Melbourne. His appointment was part of a program through Mai-Wel LabourForce Solutions to get young people and those with a disability into the workforce.
The Facebook post about David reached more than 43,000 people online, garnered more than 80 comments and more than 120 people shared the story.
All of these comments were wishing David well and congratulating the petrol station on hiring him (see below right).
“Great job David,” was one of the most common comments, along with “that’s awesome” and “well done”.
There was also plenty of support for the petrol station. It reminded me of an article I read recently about how customers no longer see cost and efficiency as the main measurements of a good business.
Instead they want to know they are making an ethical choice spending their hard earned money. They want to be sure that the business makes good choices and gives back in a positive way.
On face value this story about David Gibbs looks like customer support for a business that now offers an extra, more efficient service.
On closer inspection, it is actually the community getting behind a business that is giving back, providing valuable employment and making a positive difference in a young man’s life.
As customers we can put our money where our mouths are. Whether it be shopping at the local Maitland farmers markets, or ensuring the clothes we buy are made from sustainable materials, we can drive change. Well done Maitland.
By Fairfax journalist Jessica Brown