An 89-year-old grandfather spends his calendar year making wooden Christmas gifts to be donated to struggling families during the holiday season.
Frank Lindsay, from Narre Warren, 38km south-east of Melbourne, began building the toys with his wife Joan 20 years ago.
Mr Lindsay’s wife of 64 years tragically died last year but he continues their legacy to this day, finishing a total of 95 toys by himself in the lead up the December 25.
It was the couple’s love of children and not wanting to see anyone go without that spurred them to start the heartwarming project.
Frank Lindsay (pictured), from Narre Warren, 38km south-east of Melbourne, began building the toys to be given to kids in need with his wife Joan 20 years ago
Mr Lindsay’s wife of 64 years passed away last year but he continues their legacy, making 95 toys to be donated in 2020 (pictured, Mr Lindsay and Joan)
Pictured: Mr Lindsay working away in his shed to create the generous Christmas gifts
‘When a child comes into my house, they never leave without a gift tucked under their arm,’ Mr Lindsay told Daily Mail Australia.
Mr Lindsay said at first he and Joan – who was in charge of painting the toys – didn’t make many.
But over the years their operation grew.
The growing cost of timber and his wife no longer being with him hasn’t stopped Mr Lindsay from crafting the Australian made wooden toys, but he has had to slow down.
He made 95 toys in 2020 – with each wheel made by hand and some taking four hours – and varnishes them so they are coated with a slick paint.
Items are being sent to Queensland, South Australia and around Victoria.
Mr Lindsay said putting the toys together without his wife is incredibly hard for him.
‘It is almost impossible. I miss her so much. In 64 years we had just two arguments,’ he said.
‘We had such a lovely marriage.’
‘It is almost impossible. I miss her so much. In 64 years we had just two arguments,’ he said
He made 95 toys in 2020 – with each wheel made by hand and some taking four hours – and no longer paints them
Mr Lindsay’s favourite toy to make were wheelbarrows, but he no longer produces them because he is unable to source the right timber. Instead he makes push carts.
One fond memory he has is of a little girl who wanted to pick more than one toy to go with her push cart.
The girl was chastised by her mother, and Mr Lindsay stepped in to gift her a doll to go with the cart he had made.
‘She was that excited she had the push cart with the doll inside of it. It made my day,’ he said.
‘As long as somebody has a smile on their face, what more do you want in life?’
Mr Lindsay said putting the toys together without his wife is incredibly hard for him
Items are being sent to Salvation Army donation banks in Queensland, South Australia and around Victoria
The 89-year-old doesn’t have any plans to stop his charity work – he has already begun making his toys for next year.
However, he does have one rule when it comes to his wooden creations.
The Salvation Army must give them away to kids in need – they are not to be sold in their stores.
Mr Lindsay’s daughter Christine Winning shared an image of her dad on social media praising his kindness.
Several social media users agreed that Ms Winning’s father was a ‘living legend’.
The 89-year-old doesn’t have any plans to stop his charity work – he has already begun making his toys for next year
One person said: ‘How amazing is this? Blown away by his generosity and superb craftsmanship! He should sell online. You don’t find quality in the shops like this.’
Another said: ‘That is a beautiful story and your dad is a kind and beautiful man.’
‘Wow! What an amazing man. No wonder you are so proud of him,’ another social media user said.
A fourth person commented: ‘What a beautiful soul and imagine the joy he brings to those children who receive one of his wonderful creations.
‘Bless you Frank and wishing you a wonderful Christmas.’