Troy Shantz
The dollhouse Anne Lam built almost 30 years ago is so detailed that a miniature photo from her wedding hangs above the bed in the master bedroom.
From the tiny wreathes to the hand-sewn curtails, each of the dollhouse’s seven rooms bear evidence of her creative nature.
And like the home of Ann and Dick Lam itself, the front door stays closed because friends and relatives know to enter through the back door.
The basic dollhouse began as a kit and took two years to complete. Now fully furnished, it has provided countless hours of fun for the grandchildren, and came out each Christmas to sit in the centre of all the family gifts, Lam said.
“We never had a Christmas tree; we just had that.”
Now, this dream home of a miniature kind is being raffled off as a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity.
“It’s rare to receive a donation of this nature,” said fund developer Angela Kirkland. “It was so unique and something we hadn’t seen before. It drew all of our attention.”
Ann and Dick Lam are Habitat supporters and frequently shop at the ReStore, 1787 London Line, where the dollhouse is now on display.
“It’s a great idea,” said Lam. “I wanted to get rid of it once before but the family wouldn’t let me. We thought this was a good place for it. We hope some little girl will enjoy it.”
ReStore volunteers are impressed by the level of workmanship, Kirkland said.
“We’re really appreciative of all the time that she’s put into it.”
Tickets, $5, are available until the Dec. 4 draw.
Revenue from the ReStore and HandyMan program cover 100% of Habitat’s operating and administrative expenses, ensuring all donations go to building more homes for families.
Since 1994, Habitat has assisted 56 families and 180 individuals and hopes to place another 15 Sarnia-Lambton family in affordable housing next year.