Some people don’t gift unneeded presents to each other at Christmas (or other winter holidays) they instead find some very worthy cause. It’s a creative way to spread love and goodwill at this time of year. If you are one of those people, or, are considering that generous holiday-love-gifting, please read on, I’d like to tell you a story.
Felicitas Aga's painting "Fortune Teller"
The story begins, for me, with my new KILN business partner Kate Hammer. On meeting her earlier this year, my first impression of her was something like “clever businessey intellectual” but now I’d have to modify that to “big-hearted clever businessey intellectual.” Kate saw a challenge someone in her community was having — and she’s been moved to help organize a trust to benefit a young girl named Ruby. Wouldn’t it be a better world if business leaders got more involved in helping to solve community challenges? But I digress…
Ruby Lambert is a six year old. She had an undiagnosed heart disorder, and one day last year, collapsed on the playground. To make matters worse, her collapse caused her to suffer a brain injury. She was in a coma for some time, and the prognosis was bleak indeed. It’s one of those nightmare stories — and you can only feel for the little girl and her traumatized parents. When Kate first told me this story I had some rather unpleasant flashbacks to my own daughters life threatening heart surgery at 3 months of age. Needless to say, I empathize. And I can tell you as a parent who has had a very sick child, it is a lonely, bleak, scary, and difficult time. Community support is key — but it is not always there.
Against all odds, and this is something of a miracle, Ruby is fighting her way back. She’s regained consciousness, and she’s begun to speak again. She has a long way to go, but it looks better and better for her.
No big surprise here, but medical care for Ruby is uber-expensive. A massive team of volunteers has been gathered together to create a trust (and associated website and events) to help fund her treatment, the trust is called “This One’s for Ruby”. They have an early website up now, and, a special event is happening early next week. The event is an online Art Auction, featuring a who’s who of contemporary London-based artists, it will be held between December 12th and December 17th. These are artists who have exhibited all over the world in prestigious institutions and galleries.
The website has all the data you need to participate in the auction. Take a look at the art on the website, it’s really amazing work. If you live in London or nearby, consider popping into the Preview Event on the 14th (I’m going!). Wherever you may be, do consider participating in the online auction, you’ll be getting some great art, and, contributing to a worthy cause.
Maybe it’s time to be creative and innovative in holiday giving, do think about it kind people, my readers.