Restaurant's kind act for struggling Aussies
As Aussies continue to adapt to the rising cost-of-living, one restaurant owner took it upon herself to give back to the "struggling" community.
Aleeya Hamidan the owner of Manoosh & Co in Eagle Vale, southwest of Sydney, realised that a lot of people in the community are struggling to afford food.
"Prices are going up in rent, and there are a lot of large families that live here as well. They don't have much spare money to go out and eat with their kids after school," she told Yahoo News Australia.
So, she decided to implement a system where customers in need can get a free meal that has been paid for by other customers.
The text: "Please take one if [you're] in need!! Already paid for from our beautiful customers" is written on a whiteboard, with six receipts containing various orders valued at around $10-$12 attached to it.
Hamidan was the first to put up an order on the board a few weeks ago to encourage other customers to do the same, and the system has grown in popularity since.
"One man came in a few weeks ago and took one of the free meals, but the following week when he did have money, he purchased one for someone else," she said.
"We just didn't want it to be intimidating for people who can't afford our products.
"It was just something we started doing for a little but have now continued to do. We've had such amazing feedback on it."
The restaurant owner's kind deed was praised after local woman Amanda Mauga posted a picture of the board on social media.
"If you are having a hard time and need a meal or coffee, go down to Manoosh Eagle Vale," she shared in a community Facebook page.
"People buy food for people who need it. So if you're in need head down there, I have left you a coffee. Enjoy."
Mauga said that she "felt inspired to help" after seeing the thoughtful gesture, and wanted to help those who were homeless and struggling in their community "in some small way".
The post racked up thousands of likes and comments from people impressed by the "great initiative".
"What a great idea! We need more like this. So many people are struggling, bravo," one wrote.
"Well done folks... nice there are caring people around," another commented
"What an amazing shop for even doing this," a third commented.
Images: Manoosh & Co