Walmart faces calls for boycott after beloved greeter of 21 years fired for hugging customers
It’s a touchy subject.A “devoted” 21-year Walmart employee walked into work, allegedly received 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 recently celebrated his 21st anniversary back in May when a hug got him axed.Shortly after his firing, a GoFundMe was launched after folks in the community banded together, calling for the massive 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.”“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 almost its entire $9,000 goal in just two short days with $8,050 so far.Some folks have even coughed up $500 for the committed employee.According to the post, all funds that are donated would cover essentials like groceries, utilities, and daily living expenses 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 support for Schmitz — and threatening to boycott Walmart in the process.“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, g...