Many kids grow up with a favorite stuffed toy by their side. These huggables are their best friends that never leave their side. Well, who would fight against the monsters under the bed if not the plushy bear, turtle, or even panda?
Leon is a 10-year-old boy who seems to love toys a lot. However, this particular “Lovable Huggable Panda” stole his heart the moment he laid eyes on it. Staying there on the shelf of their local Asda store in Hunt’s Cross, it looked as though it was waiting for Leon to notice it and take it home.
With sparkles in his eyes, he rushed to him mom Debbie and asked her to buy the panda. He really didn’t want any other kid to get it before him and make it their pal. Unfortunately, Debbie didn’t have the money with her and had to say no. At least until the next payday. This was devastating news for lovely Leon who already named the toy ‘Pandy.’
After they left the store, the staff could see something that brought smile on their face. Leon placed the Panda in an empty cardboard box and left a heartwarming message on it.
“My mum doesnt have anuff money, so she’s byeng me Pandy next week 15 June. So please don’t bye him it will make me cry – thank you so much from his hopeful future owner. Pandas name is Pandy.”
This was enough for the employees to step in and make sure this panda ends up in the hands of the boy who loved it so much. They all gave some money from their own pocket, paid for it, and then posted it on Facebook hoping the future owner will stumble upon the post. Luckily, that’s exactly what happened.
“A few days later I was flicking through Facebook – I hadn’t realised until then what Leon had written – he’d really poured his heart and soul into his message.”
Debbie and her son got back to Asda where the employees were waiting for Leon. They handed in the panda to him and he was beyond grateful and happy.
“As he was walking out he said to me ‘This is the best day of my life’. It meant the world to him – thank you so much Asda!”
What the staff did for Leon didn’t only affect him, but the whole family. During their toughest period, while they were still mourning the loss of Leon’s baby brother, this kind act came as a reminder that no matter how hard it gets there are still things we should be grateful for.
“In January my son Oliver was born prematurely and passed away four days later so it’s been a really tough, difficult time for all of the family, especially the children who were so involved in the lead-up to the birth.”
We are so happy this very special boy got the panda he so much wanted to have. We are sure he will keep it as a loving memory of the good act even after he gets older.