Sunday afternoon at the exhibition was filled with warmth, laughter, and the sound of excited chatter. The highlight of the day came when a young family approached the stand, where Ella and her team were managing the tombola. The family’s daughter, eyes wide with excitement, had her heart set on winning the coveted James teddy. However, they soon discovered they didn’t have any spare change to participate.
Seeing their predicament, a kind passer-by stepped forward, offering some change so the family could join the game. With bated breath, they spun the tombola, but luck wasn’t on their side this time. Determined to see the young girl’s wish come true, more kind strangers pitched in to offer their support. Despite their hopeful attempts, the teddy remained elusive.
As the event wound down and the family prepared to leave, the thought of them walking away empty-handed was simply too much. With smiles and a collective nod, Ella and her team decided to make sure the day ended on a joyful note. They presented the special teddy to the young girl, whose face lit up with sheer delight.
Reflecting on the experience, Fran, the girl’s mother, shared: “Hi, I attended your exhibition at Northfleet today with my daughter, I just wanted to feedback how friendly and helpful everyone was to my little girl who is currently obsessed with Thomas. Even the young lad got out his Peter Sam train especially to show her. We also loved the Japanese set up. She also ‘won’ (with lots of help) a massive James teddy which she cuddled all the way home and played with until bedtime. Please pass on my thanks to everyone involved for being so kind.”
It was a moment that captured the essence of the exhibition: not just a display of local talents and crafts but a gathering where the community’s heart truly shone. The day’s true prize wasn’t just a stuffed toy but the reminder of the kindness that binds us all.
