'I'm not crying, you are': Ontario boy, 4, celebrates birthday at Metro grocery store

A boy in Ontario celebrated his fourth birthday in an unusual, but memorable, way: Learning the ropes at his local grocery store.

"A few months ago, our three-year-old son began talking about having his upcoming birthday party at Metro. Yes, Metro the grocery store. He called it his 'Metro Party' and was super excited about it," mom Hadas Brajtman wrote in a Facebook post.

She continued to explain that her family — including birthday boy Lev, sister Lily and dad Ilan — often shops at that particular grocery store in Picton, Ont. since it's walking distance from their home, the staff are friendly and they enjoy running into other community members.

"When our son told us he really wanted to have his party there, it kind of made sense, and while we thought it was the cutest thing ever, we never considered it a real possibility," Brajtman added.

But thanks to the grocery store's assistant manager, Paul Jones, its store manager, Murray Lupenette, as well as staff, the Ontario mother said her son was able to see his "dream come true."

The experiential, "action-packed" party began on Jan. 21 around 11:30 a.m., where the family and party-goers walked into the store with a warm welcome.

Posters reading "happy birthday" and signs saying "Metro welcomes you to Lev's 4th birthday party" were scattered around the store; each child was also made to feel at home with a Metro hat and nametags.

"Paul planned several experience points around the store that engaged the children, giving them a chance to partake in day-to-day store activities, as well as some pretty out-of-the-box ideas!" Brajtman penned in her post.

Party activities began with a serenade at the service desk, where everyone sang "Happy Birthday to You" into the store's PA system.

Then, the kids were treated to a range of fun activities throughout the day, such as helping stock produce, touring the meat department, creating pizzas, decorating cupcakes and a grocery shopping scavenger hunt.

"The kids were invited upstairs where the staff break room had been transformed to the coolest party room ever! Balloons, streamers, snack tables, drinks, pizzas, ice cream and cake," Brajtman wrote. "They even had Peppa Pig playing on the TV, and a team member singing 'Happy Birthday to You' to Lev over the PA system. During that time, different staff members, Murray (the owner) and Paul were there with us making sure everyone was happy and genuinely partaking in the fun experience with us."

Wrapping up the excitement-filled afternoon, Metro staff members gave all of the kids loot bags full of gifts such as snacks, stickers, puzzles, Play-Doh, animal figurines, a Metro shirt and an apron.

"All this happened in two hours, and let me just say, it was everything," Brajtman shared. "Metro knocked it out of the park!"

Brajtman showed her appreciation for the grocery store's staff and management team for their "truly remarkable experience" on Sunday.

"You were so incredibly generous with your time, resources, creativity and for going above and beyond to create an experience that we will all remember for the rest of our lives," she added. "Beyond that, I want to note the fact that you didn't brush off an idea that came your way, even though it had never been done before and even more so because it came from a three-year-old. Thank you for listening, for demonstrating the true heart and soul of our community, and how impactful our business community is."

Members of the Your Prince Edward County Community Page expressed their own joy over the "cute" photos, making it feel like the whole community joined in on the celebrations. Since the post went live, it's gained more than 6,400 reactions and 4,000 shares.

"I'm not crying, you are. Omg, that's got to be the best good news story of the year. Thank you for sharing it," one person wrote.

"Thanks for sharing this! It put a smile on my face. What an amazing memory this will be. Admittedly, I am jealous because I would want this as a party for my adult self," someone joked.

"Oh. My. Gosh!! This is truly epic and a completely fantastic, thoughtful and heartwarming gesture for little Lev! This is truly the best feel-good story I have heard in a long time, and restores faith in humanity," someone else shared. "What an experience for the little ones!"