Hundreds of folks have taken to social media to express outrage and support for Paul McGregor, the Country Grocer manager who was fired late last week.
The various local social media sites were buzzing after news of the popular manager’s termination leaked out on Friday.
“Oh no! Paul McGregor was the heart and soul of that store,” commented Sharon Bennett. “Such a nice man always ready to help in any way he could and so community minded. I think Country Grocers have just shot themselves in the foot with this decision. I for one will be shopping elsewhere, Ladysmith Save On Foods and No Frills when it opens.”
McGregor, who had worked for 49th Parallel Grocery for a decade before the business was sold to Country Grocers three years ago, was an enthusiastic supporter of countless community charities and organizations.
“Thank you To Paul for all the great service you supplied. We will miss you,” Bennett added.
McGregor served as president of the Chemainus + District Chamber of Commerce for three years.
Cheryl Bosch was among those who appreciated what McGregor meant to Chemainus.
“From a community standpoint he was involved in many activities, from chili bake-offs to Canada Day and everything in between,” Bosch wrote on Chemainus Shout Out. Always a smile on his face, he went the extra mile for everyone and was a great boss to my special needs person. I am beyond devastated.”
Many of the comments posted on Chemainus Shout Out and the other pages included threats to boycott Country Grocer.
Connie Louise said she was going to shop elsewhere after hearing McGregor would no longer be in charge at the Chemainus Village Square store.
“Paul, as in he who always smiled and greeted all customers? He went above and beyond. Hey, Country Grocer, I’m boycotting,” Louise said.
Brian Simpson agreed that Country Grocer may have made a big mistake.
“Paul, singing Happy Birthday over the intercom. Cooking hot dogs for charities. Chili cook offs every year for charity, donations to Harvest house. a boisterous laugh in the store,” Simpson recalled of McGregor’s time at the store.
“Hugs, hugs, hugs. Always a kind happy word. Country Grocer, you have no idea! You will get what you deserve.”
(Comments, corrections to news@chemainus.com)