100,000 Christmas Lights for Charity illuminate North Vancouver home
Among the many events and Christmas festivities taking place this time of year, one North Vancouver family is continuing a bright tradition of helping others.
The Ribalkin/Viau family are once again covering their roof, gardens, gutters, railings and driveway in thousands upon of lights, blow-up displays, Christmas decorations and holiday cheer, all for a good cause.
From 2010 to 2016, this family display has raised $65,252.38 and 769 bags of groceries.
But this total is hopefully just the beginning, said John Ribalkin, owner of the house.
“Last year, the display raised $18,472.22 and 182 bags of groceries,” said John. “This year, we hope to hit $25,000.”
The house is located at 4967 Chalet Place, at the top of Skyline Drive, in North Vancouver.
The family hopes that their beloved star will bring even more visitors, as their neighbours across the street cut back some trees, which will make the star viewable from Stanley Park and parts of downtown Vancouver.
“The star hangs 86 feet in the air on ropes attached to trees, with no nails used,” said Aurore Viau, John’s wife and co-owner of the house. “Every line on the star is 20-feet long.”
“We have been told the star is viewable from Coal Harbour already and that the entire house can be seen by landing planes.”
Opening night is announced for Saturday, December 2.
Visitors are suggested to come early to watch the house come on piece by piece. The event runs from from 6:30 pm to 11 pm.
The family gives 100% of all proceeds to two returning charities, the Harvest Project and Shriners Cares for Kids.
The overhead is covered by Aurore and John’s business, Verico Nova Financial Services Inc.
This year, they are adding a third charity to the cause, which is BC Epilepsy Society.
“We are adding the Epilepsy Society because this charity hits very close to home for us,” said Ethan Ribalkin, John and Aurore’s son. “My sister Philana is epileptic and we almost lost her as a toddler.”
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