Words by Nick Crockford
A Secret Santa who has been paying-off entire lay-by balances at Mr Toys Toyworld stores around Australia, has struck again – in Rothwell!
A sales clerk at the store on Deception Bay Rd has confirmed the Secret Santa paid off the balance, owed by customers on laybys, by phone.
The staff member would not comment further as the caller wished to remain anonymous.
It follows similar acts of amazing generosity at Mr Toys Toyworld stores at Gympie, Burleigh Waters and in Melbourne.
Reports suggest the Gold Coast Secret Santa paid balances totalling more the $16,000 on around 80 laybys. At Gympie the caller was reported to be a man who paid a five-figure sum.
As news of the Rothwell pay-off spread, Hollie Thompson posted on the Redcliffe Peninsula Facebook page: “To the incredibly kind and generous soul that just paid off ours and everyone else’s lay-by at Mr Toys Toyworld at Rothwell, thank you, thank you so much.”
“The store gave me a call this afternoon,” says Hollie, from Newport, “I thought I’d missed a payment or something! But they said they’d had a lovely Secret Santa pay for the lay-bys.
“I burst into tears. I was such a kind offer. I had about 10 items.”
Hollie, who has two children, had heard of the previous Secret Santa payments at other Mr Toys Toyworld stores.
“One of my girlfriends had actually said to me ‘imagine if that was you!’.”
Another comment on the same page said: “Wow! A nice way to share their good fortune, super lovely.”
Others were quick to follow. They included: “Wow, that’s amazing. What a one-in-a-million individual” and “an incredible person with enormous generosity. Bless them.”
Among the rest was: “It’s been happening all over Australia. Someone amazing has been making Christmas a little brighter. An incredible act of kindness.”
At the time of writing the Redcliffe Peninsula Facebook post had more than 660 reactions and 121 comments.
For more local news click here
Related Stories
Green light for driving range
Holidays set for a wool-tastic start
Alt-rockers gear up to perform at Where We Belong Festival
Top Stories
Alt-rockers gear up to perform at Where We Belong Festival
Moreton Bay's alt-rockers, The Phosphenes, are set to bring a grunge, homegrown sound to Where We Belong Festival 2026.
It’s party time at the Bel
Celebrate 125 years of The Belvedere Hotel with live music, family fun, giveaways, classic menu favourites and a community birthday party at Woody Point.
State Budget - Moreton Bay’s winners
Scores of major and minor projects have funding in the State Budget which Premier David Crisafulli said “continues to deliver a fresh start for Moreton Bay”.
Rugby league legends to share stories before Dolphins-Warriors top-four blockbuster
Some of rugby league's most recognisable names will come together on Saturday ahead of the Dolphins' top-four clash with the New Zealand Warriors, giving fans a rare opportunity to hear stories from some of the game's biggest moments.
Call to protect posties from dogs
Moreton Bay dog owners are being urged to secure their pets as Australia Post reports rising dog attacks and near misses, with 15 incidents involving posties recorded across the region in six months.
Popular Stories
Sidonié Newport launches all-day menu
From early morning coffees to evening cocktails by the water, Sidonié Newport is expanding beyond its café roots with a brand-new all-day dining experience.
SOL Society launches with sold-out wellness rave
Moreton Bay's first-ever wellness rave will bring 150 women together this Saturday for a morning of movement, luxury, and connection.
Work starts on new Kids Club
Work has started on a new Kids Club at Sports Central Caboolture, featuring interactive play zones, creative spaces and family-friendly entertainment for all children.