Schoolboy who went viral for friendship with binmen given kindness award

A schoolboy with autism who became a social media sensation by striking up a friendship with his local binmen has been given a kindness award.

Jaxx Robertson, with the help of mum Lucy Gallacher, prepares hot rolls, snacks and other treats for refuse workers who empty the bins on his street each week in Inverclyde.

The nine-year-old has struck up adorable friendships with staff, particularly binmen Brian Copeland and David Millar.

Their unique bond has gained millions of views on TikTok and other social media channels.

Jaxx, a pupil at Whinhill Primary in Greenock, originally wanted to cheer up the council staff while they carried out their duties in the rain, but the generous donation of food has become a regular occurrence.

In return, staff have shown their gratitude by presenting the youngster with gifts, including his own personalised number plate that they displayed on the front of their bin lorry.

Jaxx has autism and ADHD, and ‘Bin lorry Wednesday’ has helped bring him out of his shell and build his confidence.

Inverclyde Council invited the family along to the Pottery Street Recycling Centre depot on Tuesday for a tour and presentation of a special kindness award by provost Drew McKenzie.

Provost McKenzie said: “The story of Jaxx and the binmen has captured the imaginations of literally millions of people around the world, and it has been so heartwarming for me and so many others to watch their unique friendship blossom on social media.

“It was my honour to welcome Jaxx and his mum to the Pottery Street Recycling Centre, where our refuse workers and bin lorries are based, to see their special relationship first-hand and present Jaxx with a special kindness award in recognition of the generosity and thoughtfulness shown.

“In times of seemingly never-ending doom and gloom and intolerance towards others, it’s great to be able to shine a spotlight on the good that still exists out there and celebrate that.”

Jaxx has autism and ADHD, and ‘Bin lorry Wednesday’ has helped bring him out of his shell and build his confidence. Supplied

The kindness award presented by the provost on behalf of the council says: “Inverclyde Council acknowledges the kindness of Jaxx Robertson for very kindly keeping our bin men fuelled while out on shift.

“While the binmen make Jaxx’s day each week, Jaxx clearly brightens up their day too and the special friendship they have formed has brought smiles to so many faces across Inverclyde and around the world.

The Council acknowledges the extraordinary kindness of Jaxx with the support of his mum, Lucy, and the rest of the family.”

During his VIP visit to the depot, Jaxx got behind the wheel of the bin lorry that he usually sees on his street each week, supervised by his new friends Brian and David.

Binman Brian, who has worked for Inverclyde Council for 12 years, said: “I’m just happy that wee Jaxx is happy and that it’s helped his special needs and brought him on leaps and bounds.

“It’s nice when you get someone like Jaxx who lifts your spirits, and it’s nice when something is highlighted – it’s like a wee ray of sunshine.”

David, who has been a local authority refuse worker for seven years, added: “It’s great to be part of and to see Jaxx changing from the start when he was scared to come out, and now he’s running towards us and high-fiving.

“His mum says he’s come right out of his shell and teachers have noticed it as well, which is great.”

Binmen Brian and David are also in the running for special recognition of their own, having been shortlisted for an award at the Inverclyde Council Pride of Inverclyde staff awards, which will take place on October 22.