A secret donor who has been sending bunches of native flowers to businesses in Lismore has started an avalanche of giving.

Over the past couple of months, numerous businesses have received flowers – and they have no idea who sent them.

Linda Heilbron, owner of Hanging Rock Flowers in the Star Court Arcade said the donor (who is known to her and wants to remain anonymous) approached her a couple of months ago with the idea.

“The person came into the shop and said I want to donate money each week and you can make a bunch of flowers and deliver them to local businesses,” Linda said.

“Sometimes, this person suggests who to send them to and sometimes I offer suggestions – like if someone really needs a thank you or something special has happened.

“It’s amazing - they donated an extra bunch this week to go to the Casino school staff because they lost a staff member last week in tragic circumstances. They are a very generous soul.”

Already local Lismore businesses Little Polly and the Blackbird, Maven Boutique, Daley’s Homewares, PJs fruit and vegetables, Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Lismore Acupuncture Centre received bunches of flowers.

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Lismore Chamber of Commerce executive officer Emma Wallace said two weeks ago, when the Chamber had just finished moving into its new Molesworth Street location, the mystery flowers arrived.

“It was quite emotional and touching to know that we really make a difference and someone noticed that," Emma said. "People do feel we are supporting them and that was so good.”

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Linda said the random acts of kindness gave people a boost during the Covid-period, when spirits were down and they needed a lift. Now, it has started an avalanche of giving.

“Another person who wants to remain anonymous has also donated extra money to go to the Casino school,” she said.

“It’s a feel good story in these times when people need some good news. I feel so honoured to be a part of it all."

Linda said she and her horticulturist partner Paul have a native flower farm at Wadeville - and the Star Court Arcade shop has been the shopfront where they sell their flowers from.

Linda has a passion for native flowers and said on their farm, the couple grow natives endemic to our area and are experimenting all the time with what grows best.

“Our shop has been open for six months, she said. “We were fortunate during the Covid lockdown because people wanted to connect with others and send them flowers.

“There’s a lot of businesses who have had to downsize or discontinue.

“Now, we are growing and business is blooming. Through Covid, we’ve learned, changed our delivery methods and expanded – and we get to meet amazing local people."

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