An Irish Lidl customer was left stunned after seeing "the most genuine act of kindness" from a staff member while he was completing his weekly shop.
The man said he witnessed a heartbreaking moment at the tills when one shopper read his total bill and realised he did not have enough money to pay for his groceries.
The shopper said the moment emphasised the strain many people in Ireland are currently under as they struggle to cope with the rising cost of living, causing many to make major cutbacks to feed their children.
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However, despite the harrowing reality of the situation, human kindness prevailed when the woman working at the till took it upon herself to help the shopper out.
Taking to LinkedIn, Former Limerick Chamber chief executive Dr James Ring explained the situation.
He said: "I was just in Lidl Ireland on Childers Road, Limerick and saw the most genuine act of kindness from a member of staff.
"A father with his kid didn't have enough money, so, obviously embarrassed, asked to checkout lady to take back a few items. A sad indictment of the position so many people find themselves in society having to chose between food and other bills
"However, the woman working at the checkout paid for the items he returned herself and gave them to him.
"A small price, but a huge act of kindness that should be called out and recognised because staff like that are worth their weight in gold".
People couldn't believe the woman's kindhearted act.
One person suggested that Lidl Ireland reward their staff for the act.
They commented: "Without a name Lidl Ireland should just give every member of the Childers road crew a bonus for this invaluable public announcement! Will you please do it Lidl Ireland? Acknowledge your true heroes!"
While John Paul Scally, Chief Executive Officer at Lidl Ireland and Lidl Northern Ireland, replied to the post: "Thanks for sharing James Ring. It's heartbreaking to hear of more and more customers finding themselves in that situation but great to hear of the compassion and empathy displayed by our colleague."
Another said: "This is a testament to the staff team that Lidl have. I find all the staff in any Lidl that I have shopped in very pleasant...great job Lidl and great leadership John Paul."
A fourth wrote: "This post by you James also demonstrates that kindness and generosity can generate a positive reaction in numbers. It doesn't always have to be bad news and controversy traversing our channels!"
Another user said the post had made her day: "Moments like that make your day , enough and they restore your faith in humanity. We should all be like this to others ."
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