Petrol attendant a boy and a bike
- By: Mandy Preston
- Short URL: https://archive.backabuddy.co.za/mandy-preston-5802955203273165866
- Date Created: 5 January 2024
Personal message
The story of Vaughn and Tony..
By now millions (and that's no lie) around the world have seen this image, and sometimes without some kind of context.
The comments have been good, bad, ugly and everything in between.
But while my son and Tony's faces have travelled around the world, going viral from time to time over the last 4 years, each time I see it, it makes me a little sad.
Without the context from the original post (see below) the story seems pretty shallow and as the original poster, exploitive and clickbait.
For years this has been the poster child for "good" but what if we could to better. I would love to give back to the pair that has brought the world a smile, and whilst having their story pinball around the world is great. We can do better.
I would like to see the world at large, and let me tell you I've been sent this story from China to Chatanooga, give towards something as equally important as kindness. Education.
Tony is the proud father of 2 great kids, he works hard and is still to this day never without a smile. Vaughn and Tony are still mates, though Vaughn has long since surpassed him in height!
So global community, put your money where you comments and likes are, and let's put together a fund to propel the 3 kids into a space of educational security. Funds will be allocated 33% to each child for educational expenses only.
Take some time to read the original post because it really was just a mom having a proud moment, which turned into the most crazy viral post lasting nearly 4years!
Anyone with questions is welcome to contact me at [email protected].