A Melbourne cafe owner is "lost for words" after a stranger donated A$750 (NZ$800) to his business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pierre Patole, who owns The Timbuktu Cafe in Brighton East, shared the act of kindness on Facebook on Friday.
"I found this under our door when I opened the cafe. No name. Whoever you are, thank you so much. Lost for words," Patole wrote.
Along with the money, the stranger left a note explaining why they decided to donate to the cafe.
"Because we have an income less than A$80,000 a year we qualify for the Commonwealth Seniors Healthcare card and as such have just received A$750 each from the Government," the anonymous note began.
"We pay no tax as our income is from a superannuation pension. The Government says the A$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 it to your business, Pierre - you are certainly part of the economy and we very much admire your efforts to create a wonderful, new, family-focused business. Plus your ever-smiling welcome despite these hard times - it helps us all."
Patole told news.com.au that he was touched by both the amount of money and the note.
"I was very touched, not only for the amount of money but also by the beautiful letter. It felt so supportive and brings confidence in not giving up," he told news.com.au.
The Facebook post clearly resonated with social media users, racking up 24,000 likes and nearly 5000 shares in just four days.
Thousands of people also commented on the post praising the mystery couple.
One woman said the act of kindness "brought a tear" to her eye, while another applauded the donors.
"That is amazing! Love hearing about these kinds of stories. I wish you and your business well, both now and when things pick up again. And many blessings to the person that made the donation," she wrote.
Another person said the gift clearly shows how appreciated Patole's cafe is.
"That is so thoughtful, beautiful and so selfless gesture. Obviously you are a very valued person, business in your community," they wrote.
Australia is currently in lockdown due to COVID-19 however certain businesses, including cafes and restaurants, can operate in a restricted manner. Cafes and restaurants can open but only for delivery and takeaway.
