In a heartwarming display of Halloween spirit and community generosity, two Ottawa households have turned their love for spooky decorations into a fundraising drive for the Ottawa Food Bank. Throughout the month of October, these homes have drawn hundreds of visitors with their elaborate “spooky lawns,” offering an exciting Halloween experience while encouraging donations for a critical cause.
For Chris Nantes and Christian McPherson, Halloween has always been more than just costumes and candy. It’s a chance to unleash their creativity and create something memorable for their neighbors. Over the years, their ghostly lawn displays have become local legends, known for their intricate designs and eerie details.
This year, again, the homeowners decided to take their passion to the next level by using their spooky setups to support the Ottawa Food Bank. As the sinister season approaches, they know this is the perfect opportunity to give back to their community, which has been facing increased food insecurity in the wake of rising living costs and inflation.
“We’ve been doing these Halloween displays for years, and every year the response is amazing. For several years now we thought, why not use that energy and excitement for something good?” says one of the homeowners, Christian, who’s been decorating his lawn for almost the past two decades. “The Ottawa Food Bank does incredible work for families in need, and we wanted to help in our own way.”
The first house, is located at 1484 Orchard Ave. (The Lawn of the Dead), features a haunted graveyard complete with life-sized ghouls and tombstones.
The second house at 2340 Orlando Ave. has mutated their lawn, transforming it into an animatronic monster mash of ghouls and reapers that will send chills down visitors’ spines.
Both houses have set up donation boxes at the end of their driveways, encouraging visitors to contribute what they can. There’s also a digital option for those who prefer to donate online. Every dollar raised goes directly to the Ottawa Food Bank, helping to provide much-needed meals to families across the region.
With Halloween just around the corner, the homeowners hope to raise even more money for the Ottawa Food Bank, knowing that every contribution makes a difference. As food insecurity continues to be a challenge for many, especially during the holiday season, this initiative is a reminder of the power of community and creativity.
“We’re all in this together,” says McPherson “It’s not just about scaring people; it’s about making a positive impact. We hope this inspires others to think about how they can contribute to their communities, even in small ways.”
In the true spirit of Halloween, these Halloween lawns have become more than just decorations—they’re a beacon of hope, proving that when a community comes together, even the scariest times can be met with kindness and generosity.
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