Meet the flockers
News
Thorold family puts the 'fun' in fundraising
Posted By Julie Greco/Standard Staff
Posted 1 month ago
Pink flamingos have migrated to Thorold and may soon make their way to a lawn near you, thanks to a local family who has taken the fine-feathered fundraising idea under its wing.
The Coppola family, who live on Winterberry Blvd., has adopted flamingo flocking — which has soared to new heights of popularity throughout the United States in recent years — as a method of fundraising for the CIBC Run for the Cure.
"Who wouldn't laugh if they woke up, had their coffee and looked out the window wondering what the heck a couple dozen pink flamingos were doing on their lawn?" said Marsha Coppola, mother of two who has been involved with the Run for the Cure for the past seven years.
"It's meant for good humour. Already my neighbours are hoping to get flocked."
For the next two months, she or her husband Johnny will be transporting their collection of the infamous plastic ornaments to lawns throughout the area, by request, in an effort to raise money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Their plan is to plant the flamingos on the recipients' lawns at nighttime, under the cover of darkness, hopefully undetected. In the morning, the recipients will a flock of flamingoes, a personal message and instructions on their lawn. The birds are relocated within 48 hours.
The family first heard about flamingo flocking online. Once their four-year-old Ty immediately took a liking to the idea, their minds were made up. Ty set a goal to raise $1,000 for the Oct. 3 run.
So far, the idea seems to be taking flight. Since the family has been displaying their new collection of pink birds on their lawn to promote the initiative, several bookings have been made.
While Coppola hopes the flockings don't ruffle any feathers — particularly since the neither the flamingos nor the sign that accompanies them cause damage to lawns — requests may be made for immediate removal.
To the good-natured Coppola, raising money for a worthy cause and making people smile in the process will be well worth the next two months of late-night flocking excursions before she participates in the run this fall with her two young sons in tow.
"I love my community and I love silly events that get people together," Coppola said.
"My dad raised us to always give back and, even if you can't afford much, to give what you can. And I hope to raise my kids the same way."
Those interested in flamingo flocking may make a $10 donation for a small flock of 12, $20 for a medium flock of 24, $30 for a large flock 36, or $40 for a super-sized flock of 48. Orders may be submitted online at www.NeVaehDaySpa.com, by e-mail at nevaehdayspa@hotmail.com, or by calling 905-680-8056.
jgreco@stcatharinesstandard.ca
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