Kindness is in the heart of everybody. It really doesn’t take much to help someone else and the internet can make it easy for anyone to lend a hand. A simple shout out for help can be shared around the world, allowing people from all over to assist. We’ve seen it happen when a child hasn’t had friends come to their Birthday party and strangers have rocked up with gifts and well-wishes. Or the world wide Tommee Tippee Cup search that also got a happy ending. Most recently, we bring you the story of a viral Facebook post that helped a grieving mum find a replica giraffe toy to honour the memory of her son who lost his battle with cancer.

Claire I’Anson put a call out on Facebook, looking for a toy giraffe made by Korimco. The mother made a call out on Facebook for her friend Gail, whose son, James, had lost his battle with cancer. Young James had a companion through his treatment – a toy giraffe named Freckles. The giraffe was cremated with James when he passed away, but James’ mum wished to have the exact same toy, to keep it as a memory of her son. Claire put the call out to help find the same giraffe toy as Korimco no longer manufactured it.

Claire’s post read,

James loved his little giraffe and before he lost his battle with cancer he was a constant companion. He was cremated with James when he passed. His mum is looking for a replacement giraffe in memory of her sweet son, but the toy makers Korimco are no longer making this exact giraffe.

Anyone got one lying around or know where we could get one? Please share ❤ — with Gail Clark.

The post was shared over 800 times, with comments from well-hearted people who wanted to help.

One mum said, “I have one nearly identical to this that I got for my son 6 years ago I will send a picture when I get home from work would be happy to pass on.”

In the end, a lady called Maree helped track down the exact toy on eBay in the US.

** EDIT ** Freckles has been found hiding on eBay in the US! He has been bought & is on his way home to Adelaide. Thank you so much to Bec & Michele who first had the idea of posting this, to Gail for letting us post her beautiful James’ photos and to all 800+ people who have helped us search. And Maree who found him for us!! You’re all amazing ❤️

This heartwarming story shows the true power of the internet and how social media can be used for good. Our hearts go out to James’ mum at this sad time. We’re so thankful the same giraffe could be tracked down to serve as a memory of her precious son.