Mysterious samaritan clears $8,500 in lay-bys at Toyworld
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In a heartwarming display of generosity that has left the local community in awe, a mysterious benefactor has brought early Christmas cheer to dozens of families in Melbourne.
The Toyworld store in Ferntree Gully became the stage for an act of kindness many might dream of witnessing but seldom do.
The store manager in the toyshop, Nicole Brodgen, recounted the unusual event as a young woman walked into the store.
The unknown woman inquired about the total amount owed on all the lay-bys in the store. Upon learning it was $8,500, she didn't hesitate.
With a heart set on giving back, she offered to clear the entire amount.
The gesture left the staff at Toyworld speechless. 'She said, “OK I'll pay that,”' Brodgen recalled.
'She's just like…”I just want to give back...so this is my way I can give back.”'
The effect of this act of kindness was immediate as about 47 lay-bys were fully paid off, including one worth $600 that belonged to a mother of five children.
The staff were given the delightful task of contacting customers to deliver the unexpected good news. One customer, expecting a routine reminder call for payment, was instead greeted with the announcement that her lay-by was paid-off.
But the story doesn't end there. In a twist that seems straight out of a feel-good holiday movie, another anonymous good samaritan visited the same Toyworld store.
A young man earlier handed the staff $600 with simple instructions: spread the love. He asked them to distribute the money to various customers over the next week.
‘He said, “spread the love, give $20 here, $30 there, just to make life easier”,’ Brodgen said.
‘There’s still good out there...people are looking after their community.’
This isn't the first time such generosity has been seen in Melbourne. Earlier in the month, several lay-bys were paid off at the Victoria Gardens store in Richmond, including items like a $200 Barbie Dreamhouse and a $90 Barbie Dream Boat Playset.
These stories serve as a poignant reminder that in these trying times, the spirit of community and goodwill is very much alive. Acts of kindness, especially those that come without seeking recognition, resonate deeply with all of us.
As everyone approaches the festive season, let's take inspiration from these anonymous benefactors. Whether it's paying forward a kindness received, volunteering time, or simply sharing a warm smile with a stranger, every act of goodwill contributes to a stronger, more connected community.
What do you think of this story? Let us know in the comments below!
The Toyworld store in Ferntree Gully became the stage for an act of kindness many might dream of witnessing but seldom do.
The store manager in the toyshop, Nicole Brodgen, recounted the unusual event as a young woman walked into the store.
The unknown woman inquired about the total amount owed on all the lay-bys in the store. Upon learning it was $8,500, she didn't hesitate.
With a heart set on giving back, she offered to clear the entire amount.
A Toyworld store in Melbourne has the distinction of witnessing two acts of kindness by good samaritans. Image: Freepik
The gesture left the staff at Toyworld speechless. 'She said, “OK I'll pay that,”' Brodgen recalled.
'She's just like…”I just want to give back...so this is my way I can give back.”'
The effect of this act of kindness was immediate as about 47 lay-bys were fully paid off, including one worth $600 that belonged to a mother of five children.
The staff were given the delightful task of contacting customers to deliver the unexpected good news. One customer, expecting a routine reminder call for payment, was instead greeted with the announcement that her lay-by was paid-off.
But the story doesn't end there. In a twist that seems straight out of a feel-good holiday movie, another anonymous good samaritan visited the same Toyworld store.
A young man earlier handed the staff $600 with simple instructions: spread the love. He asked them to distribute the money to various customers over the next week.
‘He said, “spread the love, give $20 here, $30 there, just to make life easier”,’ Brodgen said.
‘There’s still good out there...people are looking after their community.’
This isn't the first time such generosity has been seen in Melbourne. Earlier in the month, several lay-bys were paid off at the Victoria Gardens store in Richmond, including items like a $200 Barbie Dreamhouse and a $90 Barbie Dream Boat Playset.
These stories serve as a poignant reminder that in these trying times, the spirit of community and goodwill is very much alive. Acts of kindness, especially those that come without seeking recognition, resonate deeply with all of us.
As everyone approaches the festive season, let's take inspiration from these anonymous benefactors. Whether it's paying forward a kindness received, volunteering time, or simply sharing a warm smile with a stranger, every act of goodwill contributes to a stronger, more connected community.
What do you think of this story? Let us know in the comments below!
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