Hidden 'pay it forward' project making Aussie mums smile on Mother's Day
Women in Canberra have been surprised by a mystery duo approaching mums with generous gifts.
They say it's the hardest yet most rewarding job — being a parent.
As many Aussies stop to celebrate the supportive women in their lives this Mother's Day, one Canberra mum decided to thank strangers. And in true motherly fashion, she turned it into a life lesson.
"I had a lady and her young son come up and randomly give me a beautiful bunch of flowers," Jade told Yahoo News Australia, recalling the moment she was surprisingly approached at the supermarket on Wednesday.
The mum of two was "moved" by the gesture. She was told by the stranger that she had received a similar gift last year and wanted to pay the kindness forward, while also teaching her son the importance of valuing women.
"She said it was important for her to show her son how women should be treated and that mums should be celebrated," she continued.
"It was such a lovely gesture and I felt super grateful to be the recipient."
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Mother-son duo spread Mother's Day joy
After posting a public 'thank you' online, Jade's post was met with praise and also connected her to a local mother who was another lucky recipient of the mother and son's kindness.
"I was at Gungahlin Post Office this morning with my 3-month-old and received the same bunch of flowers," Ashleigh announced. "It made my week."
As a woman in the early stages of motherhood, Ashleigh admitted she was "blown away" by the gesture, emphasising just how valuable a supportive word from a stranger can be.
"Being a first time mum has been so beautiful but also so challenging, and we spoke about this," she told Yahoo. "I have been feeling quite isolated lately, and knowing that other mums experience the same feelings was really nice."
Despite efforts to find the mystery mother and son, with even a local radio station left empty-handed, both Ashleigh and Jade have vowed to "pay it forward" next year to other mums in the area.
"There are some beautiful people in the community," Jade said.
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