Before you toss your Halloween jack o’ lantern in the compost, consider giving it one last spectacular outing. A community fundraiser is returning to Westshore Town Centre on Sunday, Nov. 1, where Langford Fire Rescue will send pumpkins plunging from a 100-foot ladder to help raise money for school food programs on southern Vancouver Island. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Cineplex parking lot. People are encouraged to bring their carved pumpkins and make a donation to support Flourish! School Food Society. The organization works to help students access nutritious meals and snacks at school, while also providing opportunities to learn about growing, preparing and sharing food. Westshore Town Centre General Manager Laura Savage says the event combines the excitement of a pumpkin drop with an opportunity to support children in the community. “Watching pumpkins drop from a 100-foot ladder is quite a spectacle, but what makes this event special is the generosity behind it,” Savage said in a release. “We’re proud to host a community tradition that turns a little post-Halloween fun into support for school food programs.” Langford Fire Rescue is adding a school challenge to this year’s event, encouraging students across the Westshore to collect pumpkins and bring them to the drop. “We’re excited to see how many they can bring!” fire prevention officer Tianna Dupuis, said in a release. “The pumpkin smash is a highlight for our crew, and it’s even more meaningful when the fun helps support students in our community.” Adding to the excitement, attendees will have a chance to win $1,000 to spend at Westshore Town Centre, along with $500 in cash. For families looking for a creative way to deal with their Halloween pumpkins, the event offers a memorable alternative to sending them straight to the compost bin, while helping support food programs for students.
