A single mother and full-time student has thanked a supermarket cashier for a small yet significant act of kindness.

Raenette Butterfield, 39, visited Heron Bay MarketPlace on Friday evening to buy groceries for herself and her 10-year-old daughter.

Despite having $80 and several vouchers, Ms Butterfield — a nursing student at Bermuda College — could not afford all of the items she needed to purchase.

That is when cashier Allanae Dowling stepped in to help her out.

“I had to figure out what I wanted and what I had to take back, but she told me that she had a dollar or two in change ready if anyone needed it,” said Ms Butterfield, who lives in Hamilton.

“She gave me $1.64 and told me that she has children, and she knows how it feels to struggle.”

After Ms Butterfield then tried to return a bag of apples, in order to buy French toast for her daughter’s breakfast and fries, again the kind-hearted Ms Dowling stepped in to help.

“In total, she gave me $3.84. It might seem like a small amount, but I really appreciated it,” Ms Butterfield said.

“I get financial assistance but it’s still difficult. Because of her, my daughter was able to get breakfast, and she made the whole process of me not being able to afford my groceries that much easier.

“She didn’t have to, and I feel like she really needs to be recognised for what she did for me. I like her spirit.”

Ms Butterfield said she quit her job as a cleaner to study nursing because she loves taking care of people.

“It’s a sacrifice I’m making, so I can have a better life for my daughter,” she added.

When contacted by The Royal Gazette, Ms Dowling said of Ms Butterfield: “She’s welcome. If I didn’t have money, I would appreciate someone helping me out as well.”