Big Shop of Horrors Raises $55,600 for Community Needs

The Big Shop of Horrors Charity Society has successfully raised a remarkable $55,600 this Halloween season, surpassing its fundraising goal of $50,000. This generous contribution will support local food banks and charities in the Cowichan Valley area, addressing the rising issue of food insecurity.

According to Tara McHugh-Lee, president of the Big Shop of Horrors Charity Society, “We scare because we care. Every scream, every laugh, and every ticket sold helps fuel programs that support families, feed neighbours, and lift up our community.” The society’s efforts reflect the strong sense of generosity within the community, and this year’s achievement further emphasizes their commitment to tackling food insecurity.

Support for Local Charities and Food Banks

The Cowichan Valley Basket Society reported a staggering increase in demand, serving 1,600 individuals through its soup kitchen and hamper programs in October alone. This figure marks a significant rise from the 510 people they assisted in the same month last year. In response to this growing need, the Big Shop of Horrors Charity Society made its largest single donation to date, contributing $20,000 to the Cowichan Valley Basket Society at the end of November.

Henry Wikkerink, of the Cowichan Valley Basket Society, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “We are so thankful for the donation to support our efforts to provide food to families experiencing food insecurity. Each month we serve more people than we have done for that month 12 months earlier. November was up 10 percent over November 2022.” He noted that the donation would be vital in purchasing and processing food for their hampers.

The charity also provided substantial assistance to several local organizations. Through the Full Cupboard community program, they allocated $39,000 to seven island food banks. Island Savings contributed a matching donation of $5,000. Other beneficiaries included the Cowichan Exhibition Society, which received $8,000, as well as the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association and Chemainus Harvest House Society, each receiving $5,500. Additional donations went to St. John Ambulance ($3,000), the MS Society ($3,600), Mustard Seed Street Church ($2,500), Nanaimo Loaves & Fishes ($2,500), the Ladysmith Lions Club ($2,000), and both the Lake Cowichan and CMS Food Banks ($1,500 each).

A Community Effort

The Big Shop of Horrors event attracted around 4,500 visitors over 11 nights at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds. More than 150 volunteers transformed a vacant 3,000-square-foot barn into a hauntingly immersive experience, featuring thirteen rooms filled with spine-chilling surprises and live “undead” creatures. Each ticket sold contributed to improving the futures of those grappling with food insecurity.

Local businesses, restaurants, and non-profit organizations, including St. John Ambulance and the Cowichan Exhibition, provided essential in-kind contributions that helped make the event possible. The successful fundraising campaign not only entertained the community but also demonstrated its strength and commitment to supporting those in need.

The Big Shop of Horrors Charity Society continues to create unforgettable haunted house experiences while reinforcing community bonds through volunteerism, education, and charitable giving. As the organization looks to the future, the impact of their efforts will resonate throughout the Cowichan Valley, ensuring that the fight against food insecurity remains a priority.