Secret Santa Pays Off Lay-Bys for 260 Families in Eastern Cape PEP Store, Spreading Christmas Cheer

Like it was nobody’s business, a generous Good Samaritan dished out dollops of Christmas cheer after settling the lay-by commitments of 260 families at a PEP store in Aberdeen in the Eastern Cape, at a cost of R132,500.

In true Santa style, the do-gooder arrived unannounced, completed the transaction, and left without jingle bells, chimes, pomp or ceremony.

While at the store, the man enquired about the total value of unpaid lay-by accounts and proceeded to settle the full amount. The lay-bys were for essential items such as school supplies, baby clothing and other household necessities.

The unexpected act of generosity warmed the hearts of store staff and PEP management alike.

“We were taken completely by surprise,” said Beyers van der Merwe, PEP’s chief marketing executive. “This level of human kindness reminds us that generosity is most powerful when it meets real human needs. These lay-bys were for essentials — the kinds of items families depend on.”

“This gesture has given 260 families the dignity of taking their goods home when they least expected it, just in time for the festive season,” Van der Merwe added.

The act of goodwill aligns with PEP’s ongoing Lay-by Buddy Initiative, launched in 2020 to assist struggling families with outstanding lay-by accounts. Since its inception, the initiative has raised more than R3.6 million and supported approximately 150,000 families.

This year, retail group Pepkor contributed R1 million to further bolster the programme.

Customers who wish to contribute to the initiative can enquire at any PEP store or visit the retailer’s website for more information.

DAILY NEWS