A story of the Foxes and the birdhouse ornaments
How a local fundraiser over Zoom was hatched to support a friend battling cancer
“The storm is real, and our fear is real,” said the horse. “But our love is also real, and in the end, love wins.”
This recent quote by Charlie Mackesy, author and artist of the book, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse,” reminded me of another story I need to share with you. It’s a true one. Curiously, the lead characters are The Foxes — Martha and George, who live in Dundas with their son, Matt. Their story could be entitled, “The Foxes and the Birdhouse Ornaments.” In my opinion, the two stories, Mr. Mackesy’s and the Foxes’, are about hope, love, and friendship. Both inspiring during these unsettling times.
Let me now tell you what happens in “The Foxes and the Birdhouse Ornaments.” For many years in December, the Foxes welcomed family and friends into their home for a “Mingle Jingle.” A charity is always supported through the gathering. However, this year, two things happened: COVID-19 and the sister of a treasured friend of theirs needed some help. Emilee Cripps is the young woman’s name. She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic lymphoma in the fall of 2019. She has faced, and continues to face, many challenges on her road to recovery. Martha and George, never ones to sit on the sidelines, knew they had to do something. The idea of a Zoom “birdhouse auction” fundraiser was hatched. The fact that they had never set up such a thing as this before, wasn’t a deterrent. A bit of a test and learning curve, perhaps, but not a hindrance.
A notice was sent to 31 friends. Participants were given a birdhouse ornament to decorate and submit by a certain date. There was also the option to give a donation in lieu of decorating. Moved and inspired by the undertaking, despite insecurities regarding artistic abilities, or the lack thereof, everyone responded that they were in (self included)! We were energized. We had a mission. The “birdhouse auction” took flight! Who knew decorating birdhouse ornaments would have such power? It brought joy to so many, and benefited a young woman who had endured so much.
Martha and George attended to every detail. The submitted birdhouses — each uniquely festooned — were numbered for ease of bidding. They enlisted the help of Ethan Badgley, a Mohawk College student and a family member, to produce a video featuring all the birdhouses up for auction. The video could be viewed as frequently as desired, prior to the auction. Preauction bids were also encouraged and accepted.
After seven weeks of preparation, auction night arrived. George was seated before his screen, his “bird adorned” auction cap jauntily placed on his head. Martha by his side, was readying herself to handle the phoned-in bids, should anyone have technical difficulties. Each birdhouse ornament was respectfully held up for display. Bidding wars ensued. Bids flew in from Dundas, Hamilton, Burlington, Mississauga, St. Catharines, and places in between.
Within one hour of folks coming together, in a good way, during an exceptionally tough year, $3,370 was raised for Emilee.
For the folks who were outbid in the auction, George designed and delivered a birdhouse ornament to each of them to hang on their trees, too. I told you the Foxes thought of everything and everyone. And here my story ends — except to say that for a brief period, the Foxes gave their friends hope, love, and hearts a chance to soar.
If you’ll indulge me, I’ll leave you with one more quote from Charlie Mackesy, “I’m a bit scared of the new year,” said the boy. “Don’t be,” said the horse, “really there’s just here and now.”
May each of you encounter kindness and friendship, feel hope and love, and may your souls soar!