Stranger Gifts $750 Stimulus Money To Melbourne Cafe

Small businesses around Australia have been struggling under the weight of the coronavirus-related social distancing rules.

Many depend on people coming through their doors and dropping a couple of bucks here and there to survive and now everyone is staying at home.

It's understandable that loads of places will find it tough financially, even with government programs and incentives to stay afloat.

The owner of a cafe in Melbourne was shocked to find a massive sum of money left in an envelope that was placed under the door.

Pierre Patole, who owns The Timbuktu Cafe in Brighton East, posted on social media a wad of $50 bills as well as the touching note that was left by the generous stranger.

The Good Samaritan wrote: "The government says the $750 is for us to spend to help the economy.

"I need nothing that I can think to spend it on and have thought that I would like to donate to your business.

"You are certainly part of the economy and we very much admire your efforts to create a wonderful new family business.

"Plus your ever smiling welcome despite these hard times, it helps us all."

The Timbuktu Cafe/Facebook

It's even more touching considering The Timbuktu Cafe has only been open for four months before the coronavirus hit and Pierre was forced to radically change the way he operates.

More than six million Australians were given $750 in a stimulus package from the federal government as a way to keep the economy ticking along.

People were allowed to spend the money on whatever they wanted and were encouraged to inject it into their local businesses rather than chuck it into their savings.

This beautiful offer will mean The Timbuktu Cafe will be able to survive for a little while longer.

The Timbuktu Cafe/Facebook

Pierre says he's 'lost for words' over the donation.

Speaking to News Corp, the cafe owner says he can't believe that someone would give up that amount of cash just like that.

"I was very touched, not only for the amount of money but also by the beautiful letter. It felt so supportive and bring confidence in not giving up," Mr Patole told news.com.au.

"As all cafes, we are doing take-away only for both food and beverage, so we are roughly down 60 to 50 per cent less takings."

"The local community here is just wonderful, so many of the neighbours come on a regular basis to chat and buy a coffee."

Hopefully more acts of kindness like this continue.

Topics: News, Inspirational, Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie