Big Shop of Horrors Raises Over $55,000 for Local Charities

The Big Shop of Horrors Haunted House has significantly impacted the Cowichan community by raising a remarkable $55,600 for local food banks and charities. This achievement exceeded their initial fundraising goal of $50,000, showcasing the community’s commitment to aiding those in need during the Halloween season. The funds will support critical programs aimed at addressing food insecurity, which has become increasingly pressing in the region.

Tara McHugh-Lee, president of the Big Shop of Horrors Charity Society, expressed her excitement about the fundraising success, stating, “We scare because we care. Every scream, every laugh, and every ticket sold helps fuel programs that support families, feed neighbors, and lift up our community.”

Addressing Food Insecurity in Cowichan

Food insecurity has escalated in Cowichan, with the Cowichan Valley Basket Society (CVBS) reporting a dramatic rise in demand for their services. In October alone, the CVBS served 1,600 individuals through its soup kitchen and hamper programs, a significant increase from just 510 people in the same month last year. To address this growing need, the Big Shop of Horrors presented its largest single donation to date of $20,000 to the CVBS at the end of November.

Henry Wikkerink, a representative from CVBS, expressed gratitude for this generous contribution, stating, “We are so thankful for the donation to support our efforts to provide food to families experiencing food insecurity.” He noted that November’s figures showed a 10 percent increase over the same month in 2022, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by local families.

A Broader Impact on Local Charities

The Big Shop of Horrors also extended its support to several other local charities. A total of $39,000 was distributed to seven island food banks through the Full Cupboard community program. Additionally, Island Savings contributed a matching donation of $5,000 to amplify the impact.

Other beneficiaries included the Cowichan Exhibition Society with $8,000, the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association and Chemainus Harvest House Society each receiving $5,500, and $3,000 allocated to St. John Ambulance. Additional donations were made to the MS Society, Mustard Seed Street Church, Nanaimo Loaves & Fishes, the Ladysmith Lions Club, and local food banks, ensuring that many community organizations benefited from the fundraising efforts.

The Big Shop of Horrors Charity Society aims to create memorable haunted house experiences while fostering community engagement through volunteerism and charitable giving. This year, approximately 4,500 visitors braved the haunted attraction over 11 nights held at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds.

More than 150 volunteers played an essential role in transforming a 3,000-square-foot barn into a captivating 13-room haunted house, filled with spine-tingling surprises and live “undead” creatures. Each ticket sold contributed to improving the lives of those struggling with food insecurity, demonstrating the profound impact of community involvement.

Local businesses, restaurants, and non-profit organizations, including St. John Ambulance, the Cowichan Exhibition, and the Ladysmith Lions, provided crucial in-kind contributions, further amplifying the event’s success. The collaborative effort highlights the strength and compassion of the Cowichan community as they work together to address pressing social issues.