A haunted house is brewing up some treats for those in need.
Every year, the front lawn to Shannon Meloro’s home is elaborately decorated with spider webs, skeletons, ghosts, goblins and pumpkins. The East Hill house at 2389 15th St. (across from Vernon Secondary School) is a popular spot for trick-or-treaters.
“Last year, we had more than 400 people,” said Meloro, who supplies the yard and has family help set up decorations.
“We do it as a big family Halloween haunt as we love Halloween,” said brother Nathan Phillips, who lends a hand decorating for the extended family fun. “We’ve been doing family Halloween for seven years. The first one was in Revelstoke. We all love Halloween and love to see the excitement of all the kids and adults.”
Along with the addition of even more props, plus 30 carved pumpkins, this year the haunted house is collecting winter wear and blankets for the less fortunate.
“We decided to do a fundraiser this year in light of all the homeless issues,” said Phillips, adding kids can still collect candy at their home.
A collection bin will be set up Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the end of the driveway for anyone who would like to donate.
All of the items collected will go towards the Sutton Group Lakefront Realty coat drive, which takes place Nov. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. But for those who miss the Halloween drive and want to donate, items can be dropped off starting Nov. 1 at the Sutton office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (2749 30th St.).
“They go to about eight or 10 agencies in town, everything from the Transition House with baby stuff to the men’s shelters and anything in between,” said Tamara Cinnamon, Sutton owner.
The various agencies then take items to hand out to their clients.
“They always say by Christmas all of that is gone,” said Cinnamon.
And with the recent homeless census showing numbers have increased, and the weather beginning to chill, the need is only growing.
“Right now because it’s already getting cold they have nothing,” said Cinnamon of agencies in need of warm clothing, towels, blankets and anything to keep the cold out.
For more Halloween thrills, here is a list of addresses with special displays:
- 1302 41st Avenue (East Hill)
- Killiney Beach Haunted House, 665 Udell Road
- 5827 Pleasant Valley Road
- 4780 Sleepy Hollow Road (Spallumcheen)
