Miracle on Trinity Street
Gather around, it's time for an annual Christmas story! My mom lives in an older neighborhood in Vancouver, very quiet tree lined streets and homes that were built in the 1930's. I grew up in that neighborhood and everyone knew everyone else. A terrible thing happened in 1999, two elderly woman were murdered in their homes , Martha and Norah. Both of these women were well known in the community and as a tribute to them - that following Christmas, white lights were placed in the trees in their honor. Then the most amazing thing happened, not only were the lights placed on the street the women lived on, but, street after street repeated this. Next year, colored lights were added and people started decorating their homes. A organization became involved and decided to hold a contest, a ticket could be purchased at the local corner store for only 2 dollars and a vote for their favorite house. The proceeds went to a local Hospice, Daycare and shelter to help the homeless. The first couple years my mom won first prize!! This was amazing as my mom is on disability pension and has limited funds but had frequented second hand shops and created a Christmas scene. One year my moms house was featured on the front cover of the Globe and Mail, Canada's largest newspaper!! Another year an enterprising fellow took 2000 tickets to work with him and sold them all, although he only had one string of lights on his home. Thus the Jeff ballot stuffing contest was born!! LOL No one was upset as he brought in a huge amount of $ for the good cause. They even awarded my mom first prize that year as although Jeff had sold more tickets she got the most individual votes. They continue to hold the ballot stuffing contest yearly. Next came votes for the best block and block after block became in friendly competition with each other. Imagine walking through 5 blocks of every single home lite up? Now the competition is in it's 8th yearand not only has the neighborhood reeped many benefits. Neighors all know one another, good overcame evil and a host of charities reep the benefits too. http://www.flickr.com/photos/junnn/324483991/ Marianne and the boys |
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| That is wonderful Marianne. What a wonderful tribute.
The pictures were a lot of fun to look at.  |
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