When an Aspley mum walked into Mr Toys ToyWorld to pay off her lay-by, she received the surprise of a lifetime. Her account had already been settled, thanks to the extraordinary kindness of a mystery donor.
Read: Twinkling Treasures: Best Christmas Light Displays Around Aspley
The anonymous donor, a businessman with a history of quiet generosity, didn’t stop at just a few lay-by accounts. Originally intending to pay off lay-bys at three North Brisbane stores, his donation grew into a nationwide act of holiday goodwill.
The man contributed an astounding $150,000 to the Gold Coast-based charity Serving Our People, which used the funds to clear lay-by balances for families across the country.
At the Aspley Hypermarket store alone, more than $10,000 worth of lay-by balances were wiped out, spreading joy to countless families preparing for Christmas. Yas Matbouly, Founder of Serving Our People, shared the impact of this incredible gesture:
“It is so beautiful to see donors undertaking these initiatives during Christmas, especially in times like these. There are people currently struggling to choose between feeding their families or buying toys for their children. This will really relieve their worries.”
The donation cleared 744 lay-by accounts nationwide, averaging $200 per account. Some families were moved to tears, while others were in disbelief—one customer even hung up on the call, thinking it was a scam.
The businessman’s identity remains a closely guarded secret, as he wishes to keep the focus on the act of giving rather than on himself. The operations manager of Mr Toys ToyWorld emphasized how the gesture brought happiness and relief to struggling families, saying it’s been a privilege to see such an outpouring of gratitude from customers.
This isn’t the first time the mystery donor has brought smiles to those in need. According to Serving Our People, he has been a longtime supporter of the charity, known for quietly stepping in to help when it’s needed most.
Read: Aspley Christmas Market Promises Festive Fun
In a season often marked by commercial frenzy, this story stands out as a reminder of the power of generosity. One man’s selfless act has brought joy and peace to hundreds of families, ensuring that their Christmases will be just a little bit brighter this year.
Published 10-December-2024