When Joelle Kelly, 38, asked her little girl Josee what theme she wanted for her fifth birthday, she immediately responded with ‘Woolworths’.
Amused yet determined to make it happen, the Queensland-based mother set off and began gathering signs, organising a mini uniform and reaching out to friends and family for ideas.
The result was an adorable Woolworths-themed spread – and one very thrilled little girl.
When Joelle Kelly, 38, asked her little girl Josee what theme she wanted for her fifth birthday, she immediately responded with ‘Woolworths’
Amused yet determined to make it happen, the Queensland-based mother set off and began gathering signs, organising a mini uniform and reaching out to friends and family for ideas
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Mrs Kelly said she has always been conscious of raising Josee, who has Down Syndrome, with the long term goal of being as independent as possible.
‘Together her and I have created little routines when we shop, and in turn she really enjoys shopping and is a delight to shop with,’ Mrs Kelly said.
‘We have a set routine when we go to Woolies where she enters the store by saying “Roll up, roll up welcome to Woolworths!” (I have no idea where that came from) and then she chooses a basket.
The result was an adorable Woolworths-themed spread – and one very thrilled little girl
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Mrs Kelly said she has always been conscious of raising Josee, who has Down Syndrome, with the long term goal of being as independent as possible
‘Together her and I have created little routines when we shop, and in turn she really enjoys shopping and is a delight to shop with,’ Mrs Kelly said
‘We take a list and we talk about what we are buying and she asks what’s next on the list.’
Mrs Kelly said Josee has learned where the fruit and vegetable section is, the numbers of the aisles and where to find some of her favourite foods so she loves to help out.
‘We always have to take the self serve checkout so she can get all the items out and hand them to me to scan. She even knew my PIN for a while so I had to change it for fear of her announcing it loudly to everyone,’ Mrs Kelly said.
The whole process finishes with a high five for a job well done and the charismatic little girl is always complimented for her manners and helpfulness.
Mrs Kelly said Josee has learned where the fruit and vegetable section is, the numbers of the aisles and where to find some of her favourite foods so she loves to help out
‘Her family day care mum even set up a Woolworths shop in her dramatic play area, all because of Josee’s interest,’ Mrs Kelly said
Mrs Kelly said as a result, Josee has formed a true love of Woolies.
‘She asks to go every day when she’s picked up from care or Kindy and she knows if we are approaching a Woolies when we are out driving,’ she said.
‘Her family day care mum even set up a Woolworths shop in her dramatic play area, all because of Josee’s interest.’
Before Mrs Kelly started planning a party, she showed Josee photos of what a party was and explained that she could pick a theme.
‘Some kids love cartoon characters, barbies or superheroes. Our Josee girl? She loves Woolworths!’ Mrs Kelly said.
Her cake topper was made by her sister in the shape of a Woolworths symbol
The party bags were made using actual Woolworths bags
Josee is pictured with a Woolworths staff member after being gifted a bouquet of flowers
‘I showed her unicorns, fairies, Frozen and rainbows – all things she loved. When I said what do you want… she said “Woolworths”. So it all began!’
‘Her party bags were Woolies bags, the tables were covered in Woolworths signs from the shop, her cake topper was made by her sister in the shape of a Woolworths symbol, and a lady contacted us to donate a shirt for her, via Josee’s Facebook page.
‘When we were buying things at Woolworths for the party Josee told an employee in her own little language that she was having a Woolies party. After I explained it to him he said we needed to tell the manager so we did!
‘Josee was presented with some bunches of roses and the smile on her face was so beautiful as she walked out of the shop.’
Mrs Kelly (left) said the party, which was attended by a number of friends and family members, was an absolute success and Josee has even been invited to Woolworths for a tour
‘She’s also been invited to have an afternoon tea and/or a tour of Woolworths next time she’s in Brisbane,’ she said
Josee recently started her first year of school (pictured)
Mrs Kelly said the party, which was attended by a number of friends and family members, was an absolute success and Josee has even been invited to Woolworths for a personalised tour.
‘She’s also been invited to have an afternoon tea and/or a tour of Woolworths next time she’s in Brisbane,’ she said.
‘I think this would have to be the first children’s Woolies party in Australia!’
Mrs Kelly received a flood of comments on photos of the party, which she shared on her Facebook page, Josee’s Journey of Faith, Hope & Love.
She has been sharing updates on the page since Josee was born and also runs the page T21 Mum Australia to empower and educate people about Down Syndrome.
To read more about Josee’s story, click here.