Heart-warming response to disabled man's search for work
A man’s Facebook post to help his disabled brother find work has generated an overwhelming response, with the family saying they have been “blown away” by the community’s support.
Paul James Hardy shared the plea on the Sunshine Coast Community Board on Sunday, writing his sibling David, 34, moved from New Zealand 14 months ago to be closer to family, and has applied for hundreds of positions without any success.
He said his brother just wants people to “give him a go.”
“That was a last resort doing what I did yesterday morning,” Mr Hardy told Yahoo7.
Mr Hardy explained that David experienced problems at birth which resulted in his brain being damaged, saying he is now “slightly disabled” and encounters short term memory loss.
“David was born without oxygen to his brain, for a few moments when he entered this world he wasn’t breathing but after a few minutes he was revived,” Mr Hardy wrote online.
The loving brother added that despite the difficulties he has faced, his sibling has grown up to be a strong, kind and loving young man.
Mr Hardy told Yahoo7 that in New Zealand his brother worked for supermarkets for 12 years.
“Since he arrived, in the last 14 months David has applied for 100’s of jobs/had interviews here on the Coast but has been knocked back every time… Woolworths, Coles, Kmart, Orchards, Landscaping you name it,” he wrote online.
“Nobody will give David a job.”
Despite the struggle, Mr Hardy said his brother is very positive.
And added online that he can work through obstacles and “nail just about anything” with guidance.
His post continued: “We’ve received no help from the Australian Government/Disability Recruitment Centres as David hasn’t been in the country for more than 2 years.
“I totally understand that here on the Coast the community is not the largest and some people struggle to find work too.
“I also understand David has a disability and this makes it hard. But David is a work horse, would/could/can do just about anything, he’s tall fit and strong, he has a Full Australian Driver’s Licence. He loves working and is dying for a job!”
A number of Facebook users agreed jobs are hard to come by in the Sunshine Coast region, but many wished them luck in their search.
“What an awesome brother you are to go all out to help. With you spreading the word he will be sure of success,” one social media user wrote.
“With support like you I have no doubt there’s the perfect job just around the corner,” said another.
Others shared numerous suggestions of jobs around the region, and Mr Hardy said from his post they have received about three solid suggestions for jobs which will be suitable for his brother.
“Our community has all rallied together,” he said.
“Everyone has had something to say which has been really special. ”
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He has since thanked Facebook users for their positive feedback.
“Throughout next week David, my sister and I will explore every single avenue! How good is it when your community comes together like this!” Mr Hardy wrote.
