Russell to the rescue!
The owners of a UK bookshop owe the renewed success of their business to a surprising hero: beloved movie star Russell Crowe.
Leonne and Dan Fridd, who operate and own Bookbugs and Dragon Tales in Norwich, received a huge donation to the tune of £5,000 ($AU 8800 or $NZ 9900) from the Gladiator actor during a one-off fundraising initiative.
The Fridds started the fundraiser after COVID-19 saw their bookshop close during lockdowns, only to reopen and face more struggles during the cost of living crisis.
With a goal of £15,000, they hoped to give the business “breathing space” and do more outreach work with kids, including bringing in books for children who may not have easy access to the Norwich city centre.
But, the Hollywood star’s generous donation came within hours of the launch of their online appeal and bumped their fundraising total to a whopping £19,740.
Speaking to the Today Show, the couple said they believe they share a mutual friend with Crowe and have had no contact from him about the donation.
"It's incredible what he's done because he's not just given the money, but he's given his name and the ensuing media attention that we've managed to get because of it," Dan said.
"The shop has been packed ever since and it's been amazing."
Crowe didn’t just give them a financial gift either, with the news of his donation making their story the talk of the town and boosting their community outreach efforts.
"This has absolutely given us such a boost and it's just - it's an incredible gift," Leanne said.
"We know this isn't the first time he's done something like this to change people's lives," Dan added.
"He's not just changed our lives, he's changed the children of Norwich's lives and the people we can reach."
Having donated over £500, Crowe is entitled to a personalised gold loyalty card that grants him a lifetime discount at the shop - but he told the Fridds they could keep it and frame it.
“I'm sure he doesn't need 10% off purchases for life,” Leanne told the BBC.
"But who knows, maybe if he's in Norwich one day he might pop in and see us, but then again, if he did that, we might lose our minds."
Images: Today Show / Wikipedia