Christmas arrived early for hundreds of families in Aberdeen, Eastern Cape, thanks to one extraordinary act of kindness.
A Quiet Act of Generosity
An ordinary day at the local PEP store turned unforgettable when a man walked in and asked a simple question: how many lay-bys were still unpaid? When staff checked, the answer was 260. Without hesitation, he paid every single one. Moments later, R132 500 had been settled. Just like that, 260 families were free to collect their items.
PEP chief marketing executive, Beyers van der Merwe, says the team was stunned. The man did not want attention. He did not want recognition. He simply wanted to help. The identity of the generous shopper remains unknown, but the impact of his actions will be remembered for years to come.
Why Lay-Bys Matter to Families
In a time when many South Africans are under financial pressure, lay-bys help families plan ahead. They allow shoppers to buy essentials without going into debt. For many customers in Aberdeen, these lay-bys included school uniforms, baby clothes and basic necessities. Items they needed, but were still trying to afford.
Restoring Dignity, Just in Time for Christmas
This single gesture changed everything. “It restored dignity,” Van der Merwe said. “Families could take their items home when they least expected it. Just in time for the festive season.” For many households, it meant one less worry and a much lighter Christmas.
Anyone Can Be a Lay-By Buddy
PEP says while this happened at one store, kindness like this is not limited to one person. Through its Lay-by Buddy initiative, anyone can help pay off someone else’s lay-by. Contributions start from as little as R3 in-store, or R20 online. You do not need to be wealthy to make a difference. You just need to care. As PEP puts it: buddies don’t let buddies wait.
