A HALESOWEN florists is giving away £80k worth of flowers in random gestures of kindness to spread cheer in these uncertain times.
All Occasions Florists on Hagley Road has been forced to close its doors - laying off 24 full-time staff.
It is giving away 5,000 bouquets - with entire streets across Halesowen finding welcome surprises on their doorsteps yesterday and today (Wednesday).
People have taken to twitter and Facebook to thank the firm for its generosity and have been posting pictures of their bouquets.
@alloccasionsflw Thank you to All Occasions Florists, Halesowen. What a lovely thing to do. You made my mom and dad's day #alloccasionsflorists #communityspirit #covıd19 #stayhomestaysafe pic.twitter.com/ei6D8ChbEv
— Rachel Jannaway (@RachelJannaway) March 24, 2020
The family-run shop is owned by Sharon and John Wilkes and is a real family affair with their four sons working in the business.
They have owned the shop for 26 years and it has been in the family for three generations.
Ross Wilkes, aged 25, who is the oldest of the brothers, said: "It's a really nice thing to do to be able to give away bouquets.
"All the staff we have had to lay off have come back in and delivered them to their own streets and to family.
"We've delivered to whole streets - around 50 streets yesterday (Tuesday) across Halesowen and we are doing more today.
"We have had a brilliant response from people - and have had lots of photos sent in to our Facebook page.
"It's amazing how many NHS workers live in Halesowen and have messaged us to say that they had come back from a long day at work to find the flowers.
"It's nice to put a smile on people's faces."
Even veteran newsreader Nick Owen received a bouquet.
@alloccasionsflw Shout out to All Occasions Halesowen! Thanks for the beautiful flowers we found on our doorstep from your abundance of fresh flowers after being forced to close your doors. A lovely gesture and much appreciated.
— Nick Owen (@nickowentv) March 24, 2020
Ross said the massive amount of £80k worth of stock was just an average week's stock for the florists - as it sells around the country through Interflora and to supermarkets.
The shop had 32 staff - all except eight have had to be temporarily laid off.
He said: "We don't know how long the closure will last."
He staff would be re-employed as soon as the business could re-open and get back on its feet.
Proud to be a part of All Occasions Florists, Halesowen team of flower fairies delivering free flowers to raise a smile in these uncertain times ... social distancing observed, left on doorsteps with a knock on the door before walking away🌻#RandomActsOfKindness #flowerfairies pic.twitter.com/IJTJXNx4gA
— Sally’s Sunflowers by Gilly Page jewellery (@sally_gilly) March 24, 2020
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here