A dollhouse lovingly hand-crafted in Sooke 20 years ago is bringing wonder and joy to a new generation of children and adults.

The original owner, Lynn Lodge, won the dollhouse made by Shelley Kattler in a draw that was part of fundraising efforts in Sooke for Megan Gallant. The former student at Edward Milne Community School was left unable to walk or talk after a minor diagnostic procedure in February 2001 at Victoria General Hospital went tragically wrong.

Lodge, a professional house stager, said she treasured the dollhouse for years before shipping it to Dundas, Ont., for the daughter of her sister, Diane Robertson, to enjoy.

B次元官网网址淗earing itB次元官网网址檚 going to a new home for another child to enjoy is heartwarming,B次元官网网址� Lodge said. B次元官网网址淢y sister sold it recently to a lovely lady for her daughterB次元官网网址檚 fifth birthday.

B次元官网网址淎s a kid, I was obsessed with dolls, and I loved that little house and the effort and incredible detail that went into it. It was so adorable with its little patio and outdoor porch, the tiny individual tiles on the floors and all the handmade furniture and appliances.B次元官网网址�

Robertson said her daughter, Shelby Lynn, 22, loved the dollhouse and used to have her friends over to play with it when she was growing up.

B次元官网网址淲e had it prominently set up in a common area so several children could play with it at the same time,B次元官网网址� she recalled. B次元官网网址淚 added some appropriately sized items over the years and some cats and dogs. Shelby LynnB次元官网网址檚 happy itB次元官网网址檚 going to a good home where it will be displayed and used instead of taking up space in our attic.B次元官网网址�

One of the proud new owners, Katherine Mittermaier, said her daughter, Emma, is also very happy with the dollhouse.

B次元官网网址淲e love it, and weB次元官网网址檙e still collecting more furniture for it,B次元官网网址� said Mittermaier, who lives in Carlton Place near Ottawa. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 become a beloved little centre point in our home. Knowing the story behind it gives it a spiritual life of its own, having been part of a larger story.B次元官网网址�

Her husband, who writes a feature on old houses for an Ontario publication, has taken a keen interest in it as well, she added.

MeganB次元官网网址檚 mother, Yvette Gallant, was surprised and happy to hear the dollhouse has found another new home.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 wonderful to hear itB次元官网网址檚 going to make another young girl happy,B次元官网网址� she said.

Gallant said that MeganB次元官网网址檚 health is good, and sheB次元官网网址檚 doing really well.

B次元官网网址淢y husband Mark says he doesnB次元官网网址檛 know anyone whoB次元官网网址檚 as happy as Megan,B次元官网网址� she added.

The family moved to Metchosin from Sooke in 2002 to find accommodations better suited for MeganB次元官网网址檚 ongoing care and to be closer to the assistance she requires.

The dollhouse was part of a community effort to help the Gallants with medical expenses that raised almost $18,000 in 2001, with the dollhouse auction bringing in nearly $1,000.

news@sookenewsmirror.com
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