When our ability to connect in person with others was curtailed by the pandemic in 2020, Henri Larocque embarked on a mission to brighten the holiday season for his neighbours, friends, and family, literally, by adorning his house at 80 McMaster Avenue in lights and decorations. Since that time, he has continued to expand his vision and improve his lighting design which includes over 10,000 individual bulbs that twinkle on and off to a medley of holiday songs on an outside speaker.
While some friends joke about fearing blackouts when the lights go on and others jest that he should watch out for planes mistaking his roof as a runway, Henri merely smiles and continues to add this year’s updates: 40 homemade lanterns hanging from the tree and 4 holiday arches over his driveway. Word of mouth has seen a slow but steady increase in the number of people in cars and on foot taking in the brilliant presentation over the years.
Henri’ s interest in supporting his community didn’t stop with the dazzling displays. When he began his project 4 years ago he recognized the great need for many Wellanders who were challenged by food insecurity; he decided to combine the joy of the season with the ability to give back to others. He set up a large sign and a bin to collect non-perishable food and hygiene items for The Hope Centre for those who were able to contribute to making someone else’s holidays happier.
Today we know the need is greater than ever with 1 in 3 rental households in Welland using The Hope Centre food bank. Henri’s holiday project which started as a way to brighten spirits when we were in lock down has evolved into an opportunity to come together as a community to light the way for hope by supporting our most vulnerable neighbours.
Henri invites everyone to drop by and enjoy the displays and, for those who are able, to drop off an item or two for The Hope Centre food drive. The address is 80 McMaster Avenue; you can’t miss it, it’s the house with all the planes circling, awaiting their turn to land.