Brian Jacquesās birthday is June 15! He is no longer with us, but we can still honor his life.
June is a wonderful month in this part of the worldāthe final remnants of spring meld into the warmth of summer. Flowers are blooming and baby birds are making their final flights from their nests. And on June 15, 1939, Redwall author Brian Jacques was born.Ā
Brian passed away on a cold and rainy day in February of 2011āfitting weather for a city that had lost an icon. In February, I always remember his passing and feel such a somber reverence for the man who gave us a world of courage and peace. If he was still with us, heād be turning 83 this year.Ā
In June, his memory is brighter: this is the time to remember his life. Not just his creation of Redwall, but everything about the adventure driven, family focused, and multi-talented man who made such an impact on his hometown of Liverpoolāand the world. His life could arguably have been more action packed than his own stories.
For many years, @dibbunsagainstbedtimeā has hosted fundraisers in the month of June in Brianās memory. She isnāt able to run the fundraiser this year, so Iāve taken over. I appreciate everything sheās done in his memory in the past, and I hope to do well in continuing her tradition. If Redwall taught us anything, it is how to be good and do good to the world around us, and I hope this will aid in that cause.Ā
I know we are all drawn to different causes, and pockets are tight coming out of a pandemic and facing a chaotic job market, inflation, and potentially worse. As such, Iām not fundraising in the traditional sense. I want to raise awareness for the causes below, all located in Liverpool.Ā
If you decide to donate after seeing this post, I ask that you name Brian Jacques somewhere in your dedication. If you canāt or donāt want to donate but would like to spread the word, please share!Ā
If you want me to share some results towards the end of this month, you can let me know if you want to be credited, who you supported, and how much you donated. Any part of that info can be anonymous if youād like as well.Ā
Royal School for the Blind
Historically, @dibbunsagainstbedtimeāĀ fundraised for the Royal School for the Blind in Liverpool. This school has a special place in Brianās history, and specifically in the history of Redwall. Brian used to read stories to the children when making his routine stops as a truck driver, and he found he didnāt like the books he was reading. As a result, he wrote Redwall for the children there. It was discovered, published, and the rest is history.Ā
The Royal School for the Blind is currently only taking donations by bank transfer and check. I know that process would take more time than a standard website donation, but this is one of the best places for the Redwall fandom to donate in Brianās memory if youāre comfortable with the options.
Alan Durband, who was once Brianās teacher and later discovered Redwall and was pivotal in its publication, co-founded Merseysideās Everyman Theatre in 1964. Brian later joined this theatre as a resident playwright. Everyman Theatre merged with another company, Playhouse, in 2000āhence the name change! Supporting this cause assists in ongoing representation of the arts that were an important part of Brianās life.Ā
North Liverpool Food Bank
Food banks offer resources to individuals with food insecurities. Coming from a fandom with such an emphasis on foodāand knowing Brian himself grew up with food insecuritiesāthis is an excellent charity to contribute to.Ā
This charity provides mental health support to young people through music, technology, training, and volunteering. These services are for anyone aged 15-30.Ā
The leading charity in Liverpool for the homeless and those struggling to maintain housing. We canāt open our gates to everyone, but we can help provide services to those who can.
If you are unable to donate to any of these causes for any reason, I want you to know that you are valid. Being good and doing good isnāt rooted in money: itās rooted in action, and changing the world for good doesnāt have to be large, well-organized movements. Just being a warm smile, friendly shoulder, or listening ear brings some of that Redwall peace to the world and is an honor to Brianās life.Ā Ā
