GoFundMe raises nearly $40,000 for ice cream shop employee who quit after being bullied by customers

Supportive messages from around the world have been sent to an ice cream parlour that shut when customers would not observe social distancing

A 17-year-old ice cream shop assistant in Massachusetts has received almost $40,000 (£32,588) in donations after she quit because of bullying from customers impatient with social distancing measures.

Her manager, Mark Lawrence, launched a GoFundMe campaign after The Polar Cave Ice Cream Parlour in Mashpee, Massachusetts was overwhelmed on its first opening day of the year.

The ice cream shop shut after one day because customers hassled employees when made to socially distance while waiting for their ice cream.

The teenager told Mr Lawrence, who owns the business, that she was quitting after her shift.

"This past Friday, our opening night of the year, she was met with an unyielding verbal assault with some of the most vulgar and disgusting words hurled at her, these shouldn't be heard in a men's locker room, never mind directed to a teenager," Mr Lawrence said on GoFundMe.

"In spite of this, she continued to work until the last ice cream was served and then turned in her apron. Asked why she didn't tell me sooner of this behavior, she simply said she didn't want to disappoint me or our loyal fans."

"No one deserves this kind of abuse, especially a 17-year-old young girl, in a time when we as a country should stand united," he added.

On Facebook, the ice cream shop owner said that “in 19 years of operation this is the lowest feeling I have ever felt”.

After Mr Lawrence’s post on GoFundMe attracted widespread attention, the ice cream shop owner was inundated with messages of support. Meanwhile, more than $38,000 (£30,897) had been donated.

“Thank you for the outpouring of love and support from all around the world,” wrote Mr Lawrence on Monday, who said he had been passing on messages to the teenager.

The Polar Cave Ice Cream Parlour reopened partially on Saturday with more social distancing and pre-ordering.