Local Group Spreading Some Virtual Dust and Authentic Good Cheer

Photo supplied.
Melissa Vanengen is dressed the part to dust a member of this fun-loving, local women’s group.

Less than two weeks ago, Julie Brotherstone Hartwick was inspired to start a group to make surreptitious deliveries to local women in the community to brighten their days and embrace the joy of giving.

She and her Facebook friends are sprinkling their neighbours with kindness they liken to fairy dust, lifting the spirits of both giver and receiver in a response to the frustration of Covid-imposed social restrictions.

Members communicate through a Facebook page where the rules are clear.  It’s a women’s only, age of majority group because when it began two weeks ago, the surprise gifts were bottles of wine.  Participants must reside in Millbrook or Cavan.  The gifts have now evolved to include flowers, plants, goodies and notes of inspiration which sometimes include a hint about the fairy’s identity.  This broadens the appeal to those who do not consume alcohol and allows fairies to express their creativity and tailor the gift to the recipient.

Members of the private Facebook group, now called “Wanna Get Dusted Millbrook/Cavan”, follow a set of rules to “dust” and get “dusted”.   Once accepted, participants post their home address and prepare to be “dusted”.   Because of the settings, only members can see posts and other members of this group.  After only ten days, membership in the local group had reached 260.

The gifts are not really the point, and their contents are at the discretion of the giver.  By posting their address, receivers can expect a delivery at some point, and are expected to pay it forward.

While the objective is to perform the delivery in secret, given most people are at home these days, this can be a challenge.  According to Julie, getting caught in the act can enhance the experience for both the giver and receiver.  Many of the members do not know each other, so getting caught in the act provides an opportunity to meet someone new.

The group is about giving and sharing encouragement and inspiration during this challenging time.  Fairies and recipients are encouraged to post a photo of their gift or a message of thanks.

This has become a fun activity spreading across North America that gets people thinking about others in their community during the pandemic.  Most began with wine as the gift of choice, but there are several variations on the theme.  One includes getting “flocked” by the installation of colourful flamingos in front yards.

If you meet the group’s criteria and are interested in joining, visit their Facebook page or use the idea as inspiration for your own take on “dusting”.  May we all become fairies in our community and beyond.  KG

 

 

 

 

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