WHEN Moree building contractor Adam Salis saw volunteer Darryl Brady sweltering as he sold Christmas fare on behalf of Lions, he knew what to do.
Mr Salis promptly offered to buy everything Mr Brady had on the table.
There was one condition, however – all Christmas cakes and puddings had to be delivered to Whiddon aged care facility in Moree.
“I’ve seen Darryl a few times selling the Lions Christmas cakes on these hot days – he’s been doing it for about a month – and asked him how many he had left,” Mr Salis said.
“I decided to buy him out, and give him the day off. I thought, if I buy everything he’s got, he can go home early,” he smiled.
“I get my coffees every morning and he’s generally there selling cakes before I turn up. Last Thursday was a hot day, and Friday was going to be another hot one, so he deserved an early mark.
“I’ve known Darryl for quite a while and he’s non-stop with things like this. He’s always the first one there, and the last one to leave,” he said.
Mr Salis bought nearly 20 cakes and puddings that will be shared among Whiddon residents tomorrow.
Whiddon housekeeping manager Kerry Hunt said Adam’s act of Christmas goodwill was a beautiful gesture.
“It was lovely for Adam to donate them to Whiddon and it’s greatly appreciated, and also for Darryl to drop them off to us,” Mrs Hunt said.
“Everybody loves Lions Christmas cakes – there’s not a cake that can beat them, and the residents will absolutely love them.
“We’ll give residents the puddings on Christmas day and Christmas cake for morning and afternoon teas.
“Quite a few of the residents have told us their favourite is Christmas cake with a bit of butter,” she smiled.
Mr Brady, Moree’s best-loved volunteer, has been selling cakes and puddings on behalf of Moree Lions for more than a month.
“I was selling cakes in the heat and Adam came along and asked me how many I had left,” Mr Brady said.
“I told him I had a carton of cakes, four puddings and two gluten-free cakes. Adam nodded and smiled, and said he’d back.
“When he returned he gave me a heap of money and asked me to take them to Whiddon and for me to have the rest of the day off – he said I’d earned it.
“That big, white bushy beard Adam wears is not for show – he’s a real-life Santa Claus, that’s for sure,” he said.
“I also sell badges for the RSL – Anzac, Remembrance and Long Tan badges – and Adam is always front and centre buying whatever we have.
“We need more people like Adam Salis in Moree – he’s our very own Santa,” Mr Brady said.
