Walmart faces calls for boycott after beloved…
It’s a sensitive subject.
A “devoted” 21-year Walmart worker walked into work, allegedly acquired a hug from a frequent shopper, and was then fired.
Kenneth Schmitz, who goes by Kenny, has been working at the Manitowoc Walmart location in Wisconsin for over 20 years. He not too long ago celebrated his twenty first anniversary back in May when a hug acquired him axed.
Shortly after his firing, a GoFundMe was launched after people in the neighborhood banded together, calling for the huge retailer to “do the right thing” and reinstate Schmitz soon. The GoFundMe organizer, Elizabeth Neely, claims the chain fired him “for something completely beyond his control.”
Kenneth Schmitz has labored for Walmart in Manitowoc, WI for over 20 years GoFundMe
“Recently, Kenny was unexpectedly fired for something completely beyond his control. Customers loved him so much that they frequently initiated hugs to show their appreciation,” the post read. “Kenny did nothing wrong or inappropriate, yet he was let go simply because of the affection shown to him by the community he served so faithfully.”
The crowdfunding post has already raised nearly its whole $9,000 purpose in just two short days with $8,050 so far. Some people have even coughed up $500 for the dedicated worker.
According to the post, all funds that are donated would cowl necessities like groceries, utilities, and daily residing bills while Schmitz is out of work.
“For over TWENTY years, Kenny has been the smiling, joyful face at the doors of the Manitowoc Walmart. Everyone who shops there knows his energy — he made it a point to brighten every single person’s day as they walked in and out of the store,” the post read.
Customers have been flooding social media after the firing to show assist for Schmitz — and threatening to boycott Walmart in the method.
Schmitz walked into work, allegedly acquired a hug from a frequent shopper and was then fired. Sundry Photography – stock.adobe.com
“It’s sad he ALWAYS had a smile on his face. Fist-bumped, you saying how you doing. A hug is a greeting to make people feel good. Maybe the Waltons should seek their shares. I’m sure at a meeting they hugged a person a time or two after. Come on, give the guy a break. 21 years with you,” one buyer said on Facebook.
Another wrote, “Kenny is a great man. I knew him from our church, and at Walmart he always asked if he could give us a hug, and my little girl always ran up to him and gave him the biggest hug, and my lil girl is four now; he and his family have been in our family.”
“For eight years he have [sic] the heart of gold; he loved everybody, so, yes, I would definitely boycott this one because he should not got [sic] fired for BS that don’t make no sense,” the consumer added.
The Post reached out to Walmart for remark but has not heard back.
According to the retailer’s code of conduct, staff might not use “offensive physical contact.” Walmart describes the contact as patting, grabbing, pinching or deliberately brushing against another individual, as nicely as bodily touching or assault.
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