Citizens Tammy, Derek, Alex & Erika live in Willoughby neighbourhood. Since May, the two families have been tirelessly planning and working on a Halloween Pirate Ship display for Canuck Place.
The display has had many people stop by snapping pictures, taking videos and sharing the display with their friends and families. Cars continuously slow down with passengers hanging out the windows on their smartphones. Elementary classes make field trips to the ship and senior’s buses have been making routine stops for a visit.
As kids walk past after school, often Tammy has fresh-baked treats ready to hand out to the youngsters who are awe-inspired to dress as a Pirate this Halloween. Some folks have driven from as far as Chilliwack and Vancouver, just to visit the display.
Their efforts have created a symbol of pride within the community that is undeniable. The display has become a focal point within Langley for people to gather and meet. It has sparked conversations with neighbours who previously never knew one another; and it has put smiles on the faces of thousands of people young and old. From morning till night, you will find many of the hosts entertaining visitors and their many questions about the ship, props and how everything was built. At a time, where most people claim to be “too busy”, these families sacrifice hundreds of hours, evenings and weekends to see this project through.
In 2013, it was estimated that at least a couple thousand people visited the Halloween display. This year they partnered with Canuck Place Children Hospice. Recently, a donation bin has been added to the front of the Pirate Ship display and the dollars are rolling in. Last weekend we heard the story of one family, visiting the ship, who continues to be supported by Canuck Place. It was truly moving and emotional.
Pirate Ship for Canuck Place in Langley
- Located at 84 and 209a in Langley
