Labrador Carver Raises $8,100 for Cancer Support with Whalebone Art

A whalebone carving created by John Neville, a carver and musician from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, raised $8,100 during the Festival of Trees Gala in St. John’s. The funds will support Daffodil Place, an initiative by the Canadian Cancer Society that provides accommodation for cancer patients and their caregivers traveling to the city for treatment.

Neville’s decision to donate stems from his personal experiences with cancer, having lost loved ones to the disease, including his brother who succumbed to leukemia over 30 years ago. He vividly recalls the moment he learned about his brother’s diagnosis. “He called me and he said, ‘John, one day, I’m going to tell you I’m not going home, not the way you’d like to see me,’” Neville remarked. This painful memory has propelled him to honor his brother’s memory through his art.

In his earlier years, Neville faced struggles with alcohol addiction, a battle that his brother urged him to overcome. “He said, ‘John, I want you to make me promise, I want you to give up drinking,’” Neville shared. Following his brother’s death, he immersed himself in carving. “The carving is what turned my world around. I got no desire to be around alcohol or have anything to do with that. No more,” he stated, reflecting on how his craft became a source of healing.

Giving Back Through Art

The whalebone carving sold at the gala is not Neville’s first charitable contribution. He has previously donated his works to support causes related to heart disease and cancer. “It’s a wonderful life to know how to carve,” Neville noted. “You got nothing on your mind. You’re out there for 16 or 17 hours, the dust is flying crazy over your head, and you don’t care about nothing.”

Neville’s spirit of giving is influenced by his mother, who selflessly made boots for those in need without accepting payment. “When people would come to get them boots, she wouldn’t take one five cents from them. She’d say, ‘As long as you keep your feet warm, that’ll do my heart good,’” he recalled fondly. He characterized her as an angel, instilling in him the importance of helping others.

Future Plans for Charity

Looking ahead, Neville is committed to continuing his philanthropic efforts. “I got my foot in the door there now, so I’ll be doing it for the rest of it,” he affirmed. He is already planning his next carving project for next year, expressing hope and support for those affected by cancer. “God bless everybody in the whole world, and anyone that got cancer — bless them 100 times over,” he said.

The success of Neville’s carving at the Festival of Trees Gala not only highlights his artistic talent but also underscores the profound impact of community and personal stories on charitable initiatives. His journey from personal tragedy to hope and generosity serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of art and compassion in the face of adversity.