What began as a simple idea on Sonshine’s Table Talk with Doug became a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, generosity, and the strength of community.
On Thursday, December 18, the Sonshine family gathered for a deeply special moment. We celebrated the culmination of our first-ever Deal It Forward with Doug with the handover of a car to a deserving Perth family. It marked an emotional ending to a journey that started with nothing more than a pen and a desire to bless someone at Christmas.
A Simple Idea That Sparked Something Bigger
Deal It Forward began small – by design. Inspired by the well-known “paperclip challenge,” Doug asked a simple question: What could God do if we started with one small item and trusted Him to grow it?
Trade by trade. Gift by gift. Generosity multiplied.
After eight trades, the original pen became a one-night stay at a Cottesloe Airbnb. But the story didn’t stop there. Behind the scenes, members of the Sonshine community stepped forward, simply wanting to bless others. By the end, the impact far exceeded anything we imagined.
In total, Sonshine gave away 20 individual blessings, including:
- $1,300 in gift vouchers
- Two large Christmas hampers
- A LEGO Taj Mahal set
- A brand-new women’s push bike with helmet and lock
- A large-scale replica Batmobile
- A night’s accommodation in Cottesloe, personally handed over by the generous donor
Then came the most unexpected gift of all – a second-hand Mercedes-Benz SUV, donated by a member of the Sonshine family with no expectation of anything in return.
A Daughter’s Nomination – and God’s Perfect Timing
When the final draw took place, the name that came out of the bag was: Mark and Jan Fox, nominated by their daughter, Nicola.
Nicola never imagined her parents might receive a car. She simply knew they’d had a difficult year with health and other challenges, and hoped they might enjoy something small before Christmas. As the moment unfolded, she saw something deeper at work.
“God chooses people for things for a reason,” she said. Her parents, who have spent years blessing others, were now receiving that same generosity.
A Full-Circle Moment for Sonshine
For long-time Sonshine listeners, Mark Fox’s voice may sound familiar. Known affectionately as “Foxy,” Mark was part of Sonshine from the very beginning – even before the station was officially licensed.
From early air checks in the Hay Street studios to more than a decade as an announcer, Mark quietly helped shape the station Sonshine is today. His memories stretch from late-night broadcasts and community events to being on air during emergencies and walking with listeners through some of life’s hardest moments.
“It wasn’t just about playing music,” Mark reflected. “It was about being there for people when they needed help.”
The Perfect Ending
For Doug, the moment captured the heart of Deal It Forward.
“It’s been our heart that God would bless the person who needed the car,” Doug shared on air. “When I found out you had a history with Sonshine that goes right back to the beginning – and knowing what the last few years have held for you – I was so moved. Where you planted seeds, there are now trees. And now you get to enjoy the fruit. I feel like God is simply saying, ‘Thank you.’”
Receiving the car deeply moved Mark and his wife Jan, especially as they prepare for retirement and navigate major life changes. What felt unexpected became deeply meaningful – a tangible thank-you for years of faithful service.
More Than a Giveaway
Deal It Forward has always been about more than prizes. It’s about generosity in action. It’s about listeners responding to a need. And it’s about God multiplying what’s offered in faith.
This Christmas, the Sonshine family didn’t just give away gifts. We shared hope, connection, and a powerful reminder that no act of generosity is ever wasted.
From a pen… to a car… to countless lives touched along the way, Deal It Forward proves that God still turns small beginnings into extraordinary blessings.
Listen to Doug’s full conversation with Mark “Foxy” Fox below.