Shoppers Overjoyed As Woolworths Hands Out Free Vouchers After Cyclone Alfred

March 19, 2025

Today's good news story comes from Australia.

Woolworths is being praised for its heartwarming gesture of kindness after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred left hundreds of people without power, forcing them to restock their fridges.

Fat Mum Slim's photo on Facebook

Chantelle, the creator behind the popular social media page Fat Mum Slim, shared her unexpected experience on Facebook. While visiting her local Woolworths, a staff member randomly offered her a $10 voucher.

“I said, ‘Nah, no thanks. I don’t like free money. KIDDING! Yes please!’” she joked, adding that the young employee seemed amused by her reaction. When she asked why she was receiving the voucher, the staff member admitted they weren’t sure—they were simply told to hand them out. “That was unexpected and joyful. Definitely made me smile,” Chantelle wrote.

A Woolworths spokesperson later confirmed that the random giveaways were a gesture of appreciation for customers’ patience during the cyclone-related disruptions.

“We understand Cyclone Alfred was a challenging period for our customers,” the spokesperson said.

“As a small gesture of thanks for their understanding during the disruption in our store operations, some of our stores have been handing out e-Gift Cards to customers over the weekend.”

Comments from Fat Mum Slim's post

Other shoppers shared similar experiences, recalling moments of unexpected kindness.

“I was lucky enough on Christmas Eve, a staff member came and paid for all of my groceries on behalf of Woolworths! Was very nice.”

“It was Christmas Eve, I’d asked a staff member if she could point me in the direction of an item. She took me to where it was and handed me the voucher. I promptly burst into tears.”

“I got one and was so emotional. I was doing the shop to replenish all the food that got spoiled after the cyclone and power outages.”

“I was ever so grateful after a particularly horrendous start to 2025. The man didn’t realise just how much that little act could mean to me.”

“I was at Bunnings last year and they were hiding big plastic eggs in the store. If you found one you got a gift voucher. It was fun to see grown adults doing an Easter egg hunt.”

Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred was a powerful, long-lived, and erratic tropical cyclone that brought severe effects to South East Queensland and the New South Wales North Coast.

For many, the surprise vouchers were more than just a discount—they were a touching reminder of kindness in the face of hardship.