Central Coast tyre shop ‘inundated’ with calls after kind act goes viral

A Central Coast workshop which won the hearts of Aussies across the nation last week with a stunning gesture says the Christmas kindness has continued.

The phone has been ringing hot at a Central Coast tyre shop with good Samaritans wanting to help after its workers went viral last week for an epic act of kindness.

A group of co-workers at Roadsmart Fleet Steel River blew away Aussies en masse last week after buying a new car full of new fishing gear for a down-on-his-luck colleague before offering him somewhere better to live.

The viral video captured the moment the young tyre shop worker, who does not want to be named, was unblindfolded this week and presented the gesture.

In an update on Tuesday, Managing Director Trent McWaide said the business had been “inundated” with offers of generosity in the days since, with some even getting in touch with praise from abroad.

A group of co-workers at Roadsmart Fleet Steel River bought a new car full of new fishing gear last week for a down-on-his-luck colleague before offering him somewhere better to live. Picture: supplied.

Mr McWaide said last week’s gesture highlighted his young worker’s peril, prompting his caring colleagues to respond even more.

It was revealed the youngster, whom his colleagues lauded for his incredible work ethic, had spent much of his childhood between foster homes and had little to his name besides “a Woolies shopping bag half full with clothes.”

Despite his hard work, he had always struggled to get ahead.

“He hasn’t mentioned anything ever before and just kept working with his head down. It’s so sad that he’s been living like he was. We had no idea,” Mr McWaide later revealed.

In response, he and Cheyne Taylor, whose idea it was to put in for a new car, swiftly sought to help further.

The business had been “inundated” with offers of generosity in the days since, with some even getting in touch with praise from abroad. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Taylor swiftly leveraged a GoFundMe off the back of the viral video, raising $750.

The fundraiser was red-hot but was swiftly closed when the young worker made it known he didn’t want more than he needed, according to Mr McWaide, who also bought the young man some new work kit.

Plenty had also sought out the company proactively, with offers including gift cards, cash, and fuel vouchers for the young man.

“We have been absolutely inundated with phone calls, emails, texts, comments on social media,” Mr McWaide told news.com.au.

“We’ve taken calls from as far as Vanuatu, Western Australia, Far North Queensland.”

“The kindness and generosity has absolutely shown what Christmas is about and really just goes to show that in this fast-paced environment in which we all live in these days, people give something back.”

Mr Taylor swiftly leveraged a GoFundMe off the back of the viral video, raising $750. Picture: Trent McWaide

In the viral video, reported by news.com.au last week, the young worker appeared to tear up, letting an emotional “no!” slip as his co-workers revealed they had given him a new car after knocking off for the day.

Mr Taylor, a young father himself, offered the young man a room in his home.

“We don’t want you going through s**t anymore; we’ve got a spare room. Come and live with us,” he said in the video as the young man stood in disbelief.

Reflecting on the act that threw him and his workshop into national headlines, proud boss Mr McWaide reiterated a message of hope heading into Christmas.

“I just wanted to reiterate the key message of hope, a message of giving, a message of service, something that’s greater than oneself. It’s an amazing story,” he said.

“It just goes to show, if you’re willing to have a go, you’ll get a go. That is what being Australian is all about.”

Originally published as Central Coast tyre shop ‘inundated’ with calls after kind act goes viral