A Gold Coast teenager has been celebrated for his honesty after returning a large sum of cash that he discovered outside a service station in Tugun.
An Unexpected Discovery
The money, totalling $3,500, had been accidentally dropped by local business owner Daniel McKellar while he was stopping for a coffee after a day’s work. He had just been paid for a delivery of scrap metal and unknowingly lost the envelope of cash while walking between the café and his car. It wasn’t until he returned home that he realised the money was missing.
When he called the nearby service station to check if anyone had found it, he was stunned to hear that a young man had already handed it in without even leaving his name.
The Search for the Honest Teen
Wanting to thank the mystery person, Daniel reviewed security footage and shared a short video on social media asking for help identifying him. The post quickly spread across the Gold Coast, viewed hundreds of thousands of times, with people praising the teenager’s good deed.
The honest young man was later identified as 17-year-old Josh Pache. Josh’s mum recognised him in the video after friends showed her the story online.
Doing the Right Thing
Josh explained that keeping the money never crossed his mind. He said he simply picked it up, took it inside, and handed it to the staff so it could be returned to its owner. For his honesty, Daniel rewarded him with $1,000 and even offered him a job with his company once he finishes school.
Daniel was so moved by Josh’s actions that he decided to “pay it forward” by donating the remaining $2,500 to a local fundraising campaign for a man battling cancer.
Community Reaction
The story has drawn an outpouring of support online, with many people praising Josh for his integrity and selflessness. Social media users described him as a “legend” and said his actions restored their faith in humanity.
However, a few less admirable responses also surfaced, with some people attempting to impersonate Josh online in hopes of claiming the reward. Daniel said while that part was disappointing, it only made him more grateful for Josh’s honesty and good character.
Paying It Forward
Josh plans to save his reward towards buying a ute, hoping it will help him as he begins an apprenticeship later in the year. Both he and Daniel have become examples of how simple acts of integrity can inspire generosity and kindness in others.
The story has become a reminder that even in busy, everyday places like service stations, moments of honesty and decency can still shine through and can have a ripple effect that makes an entire community proud.
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