'This is going to help so many families,': Owners of popular Christmas display raise 27k for Childcan
CTV
The creators of a popular Christmas light display in Ilderton, Ont. have managed to collect thousands in donations for local organizations.
The creators of a popular Christmas light display in Ilderton, Ont. have managed to collect thousands in donations for local organizations.
Every year Jeff Vanleeuwen and his wife Nancy light up the exterior of their home with thousands of Christmas lights.
Since their display draws hundreds of people to their neighbourhood, they decided to use it as an opportunity to give back.
The Vanleeuwen’s collect donations for Childcan, an organization that helps families with children battling cancer. In addition to donating hundreds of pounds in non-perishable foods to the Ailsa Craig and Area Foodbank.
“We really wanted to help,” said Vanleeuwen. “We had another great year, we surpassed last year’s total of $27,488 and we also had 2,500 pounds donated to the Ailsa Craig foodbank.”
Jennifer Watts, the community engagement coordinator with Childcan told CTV News that the pandemic has caused them to lose a significant portion of their revenue as many of their fundraising events had to be canceled.
“They jump over every single roadblock that’s been thrown their way. They are out there every night from December 1 to December 31 every single night collecting money for Childcan and the food bank,” she said.
