by Catherine Cameron
Hallowe’en has always been a noteworthy occasion in my family. Our son was born on October 31 and since that day, my husband made a point of declaring the day to be extra-special. He spent hours making ghosts out of old sheets and soccer balls; carving pumpkins, lighting candles, filling “loot” bags and setting up a sound system to play “Phantom of the Opera” throughout the neighbourhood. He would meet the visitors at the door and ask them to tell a joke or sing a song. Often, he couldn’t wait and would tell them a joke. “What is a ghost’s favourite bird?” Answer: “A scarecrow”. The children and their parents came and every year, he would keep track of the number of trick or treaters who knocked on the door and every year, he would add to that accumulation of index cards, each one, dated and numbered. That’s just who he was.
Last October, Canadians spent $355.9 million on candy (Stats Canada). The Retail Council of Canada reports that Canadians will spend an average of $75 on Hallowe’en, based on a family of four. That figure does not include costumes or decorations.
This year, consider donating an amount equal to what you will spend on Hallowe’en and donate it to Lanark County Interval House. In doing so, you will be honouring the life and legacy of Bernard Cameron and all those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. Make a change in our community this Hallowe’en.
