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A Star To Guide Them Home

By Lieutenant C.M. Bennett, CFB Halifax Base Public Affairs
Reprinted by permission of the Trident Military Newspaper

On 8 December 2010, Fay Maddison donated her original painting titled A Star To Guide Them Home to the Halifax and Region Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC).  She also showcased a conceptual trailer for a potential upcoming movie project filmed locally in Halifax at Point Pleasant Park, called Natasha’s Wood.

A Star To Guide Them Home has two meanings, in that the Navy often uses stars as a navigation tool and also, the stars guide the ships home. The MFRC operates and maintains a 24-hour help line known as The Family Information Referral Services Team (FIRST). The MFRC is a guide to many people in their time of need, acting as a star to guide military families in crisis back to a state of normality.  

“I always knew that if something happened, I had a place that was home. The MFRC was a very bright light for me,” said Maddison. “That (MFRC) magnet on my refrigerator has been there for many years and will remain so, it is reassurance.”

Fay Maddison, who is married to Rear-Admiral Paul Maddison, came to Canada from Australia. She first worked on stage and in film as an actor. Later in her career she made the transition to independent feature film writing. She has teamed up with Karen Wentzell, producer of the much beloved Trailer Park Boys series, to create a new production company called A Fox and A Fairy, Inc. 

A Fox and A Fairy, Inc. in cooperation with Eprintit Halifax, have donated 200 gift cards featuring the A Star To Guide Them Home painting to the MFRC. All the profits made from the sale of the gift cards will be directly donated back to the MFRC.  
 
“Through her artistic endeavours, she (Maddison) continually raises awareness to the unique challenges of the military lifestyle,” said Colleen Calvert, Executive Director of Halifax and Region MRFC.  “We would like to thank her.”

Photo: Fay Maddison presents her original painting, titled A Star to Guide Them Home, to the Halifax and Region MFRC.
Photo Credit: Corporal Francis Gauthier, FIS