Bullying targeted as Kris goes viral with support message
A MID Argyll garage owner is offering a safe place for young people on the wrong side of bullies.
Ardrishaig mechanic Kris Gordon was inspired to act after seeing a Facebook video, made by a friend and fellow mechanic, featuring his experiences helping bullied kids.
Kris took the brave decision to make a video of his own, in which he talks about his own experiences, launching it on May 16.
With 5,300 views, 80 shares and 300 ‘likes’ to date it’s fair to say that Kris’ video has gone viral.
His message is to simply open the doors to any child who needs a day away from it all. A safe place to come when it gets too dark to see. Kris told the Advertiser: ‘If someone’s having a tough day, if you want to spend a bit of time in the garage, you can come down. If it brightens up your day, that’s all we’re looking to do.’
The response to the video prompted Kris to think about organising an event - with people promising donations of time, effort and most importantly, nice cars.
Anyone looking to get away for a while can enjoy learning about cars, and even learn the basics of mechanics with a day in the garage, and maybe a test drive in a fancy car.
Kris’ dedication to victims of bullying comes from his own childhood experiences - and from being a father.
‘I was bullied myself on and off throughout school and I think you’d be surprised to find anyone who hasn’t. I think that’s why I got such a great response to the video.
‘Now people are filming bullying and it makes it worse because it’s not just that one day any more. It keeps going on and on. My two kids have just started school and I’m just dreading the day they come home and say that someone’s bullying them.
‘You’ve got to let them defend themselves but at the same time it just breaks your heart.’
Of course, good company and cool cars can’t solve everything.
‘I’m not a professional,’ added Kris. ‘If a person is really struggling they should speak to someone, but if I can help for just that one day then it’s a success.’
Teachers and other responsible adults are there to help, but help and advice on dealing with bullying is also available from the www.respectme.org.uk and www.antibullying.net websites, among others.