Crowd shows up for Guelph hug mob to thank Mercury staff
149-year-old newspaper to close Friday
Readers gathered at the Guelph Mercury's office Thursday evening for a hug mob to thank staff ahead of the paper's closure.
Some people hugged staff, thanking the reporters, while others embraced the building that housed the Mercury's office.
As reporters prepare stories for the paper's final edition, the Mercury's twitter account has been filling up with thank you messages.
Thanks to our legions of newspaper carriers present and past. You were a big part of the 'daily miracle' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Guelph?src=hash">#Guelph</a>
—@guelphmercuryThanks to all those writers of letters to the editor. That forum has enriched the Mercury and this community <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Guelph?src=hash">#Guelph</a>
—@guelphmercuryThanks to all the supporters of our charities: Books for Kids and Kids to Camp. You helped thousands of families over the years <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Guelph?src=hash">#Guelph</a>
—@guelphmercuryThanks to all the Guelph Mercury Community Editorial Board members over the years <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/greatcitizenship?src=hash">#greatcitizenship</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Guelph?src=hash">#Guelph</a>
—@guelphmercuryIt was announced on Monday that the 149-year-old newspaper would shut down on Friday.
- Guelph Mercury stops publishing print edition, all staff cut
- Guelph Mercury staff to work to the last day to put paper out
All of the newspaper's 23 full-time and three part-time employees have been laid off.
While the Mercury will continue to have a web presence, it is unclear from where the content will be generated.
On Thursday, Guelph mayor Cam Guthrie started the Twitter hashtag #ThankTheMerc.
"Take a moment and let's thank them. Let's give them a proper send off," Guthrie wrote on his blog.
Following the hug mob, neighbouring bar The Albion Hotel opened its second floor for those who wanted to celebrate what the Mercury has meant to the community.