Perth Business Owner's Late-Night Fuel Act Leaves Three Strangers 'Gobsmacked'
A generous business owner in Perth's northern suburbs has sparked widespread admiration after paying for the fuel of three complete strangers in a spontaneous late-night act of kindness that left recipients "gobsmacked" and brought one to tears. Monty Van Der Berg, 34, was topping up his own car at a BP petrol station in Currambine around 10:30pm on Monday when he noticed the person before him had only put in $7 worth of fuel.
Seeing an opportunity to help, Van Der Berg immediately offered to cover the fuel for a woman who had just pulled in next to him. "I told her to fill up all the way," he recounted. Inside the kiosk, he then told another woman at the counter that her fuel was covered too, which prompted an emotional response.
Overwhelmed by Generosity
The second beneficiary, who described herself as "the crying lady," posted online that she had just finished a heavy shift and was working multiple double shifts across two jobs. "I was exhausted," she wrote. "I was just overwhelmed by the gesture. I hope this gets back to him. I couldn't be more thankful." Van Der Berg responded modestly, telling her "it's not a big deal" before also paying for a third customer who was entering the station.
Rachael Greville, the first driver Van Der Berg assisted, said she happened to be at the "right petrol station at the right time." She had planned to put only $20 in her car as the fuel light was on. After chatting briefly, Van Der Berg revealed his plan to pay for her fill-up. "I was gobsmacked, I couldn't believe it. I thought I was delirious," Greville said. Currently working three jobs, she noted the gesture meant she now had petrol for the entire week.
A History of Quiet Kindness
Van Der Berg explained that he has faced his own financial struggles, living week-to-week at times, but has since built his construction business, MVDB Service Locating, to a point where he can help others. "It's just nice to be able to do things like that," he said, adding that he makes it a habit to pay for at least one other person's fuel whenever he fills up. Typically a shy person, he prefers to pay discreetly before ducking out, but Monday's act gained attention after being shared on social media.
"I didn't do it for recognition. It was nice. (Monday) made me think about things — I want to do more," Van Der Berg reflected. Greville expressed her gratitude by saying she hopes to catch up with him for a beer, insisting it will be her shout this time. The story has resonated widely, highlighting how small acts of generosity can have a significant impact, especially as global events like conflicts in the Middle East have driven petrol prices up by over 30%, putting additional strain on families.
