By Shelby Brooks
A Lang Lang woman has paid off over $3000 worth of laybys at Pakenham Toyworld, inspired by Cleo Smith’s safe return home.
The anonymous woman emailed head office, offering the act of kindness Monday morning, 8 November.
It follows last year’s anonymous ’Christmas angel’ who paid off laybys in December 2020.
It is understood this is not the same person.
The anonymous email, shared by Pakenham Toyworld owner Sandra Evans, explained the generous offer was in celebration of the missing WA girl who was found last week, alive after 18 days missing.
“I’m a senior lady in Lang Lang, Victoria, and I have rejoiced in the wonderful news of Cleo being found,“ the email said.
“I would love to purchase something for her, as well as paying off the layby for your Christmas shoppers.
“This is not a hoax or a prank, just a lady who loves magic to happen.“
Sandra said she couldn’t believe it when she found out.
“It’s amazing,“ she said
“I told her to come in and introduce herself to us.
“It’s amazing for the customers. We rang the first customer and she just burst into tears.“
This is the second year in a row regular customer Dale Barnes has had his Christmas laybys paid off.
He’s feeling particularly lucky and grateful.
“Sandra called this morning and said ’guess what?’ and I said, ’not again!’“ Dale said laughing.
“We are rapt- so ecstatic. It’s been hard from Covid and not being able to get to the shops to layby presents for Christmas.
“You start to panic a bit, got to quickly set up the layby so you can pay if off by Christmas and work out the budget for each week.“
Dale said he wished he could personally thank the anonymous philanthropist.
“I’d just want to say thank you so much, it really helps us out. It’s a big relief,“ Dale said.
“It’s been tight for everyone after Covid so this is absolutely fantastic.
“We can’t thank her enough.“
