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Trick-or-treat for mental health in Lynn Valley

Family collecting donations for HOpe Centre on Oct. 31
wellington halloween
As much as Jennifer Tindale would like to put up the Halloween decorations in September, she abides by her mom’s not-before-Oct. 1 rule.
 
As soon as the calendar turns, though, the family gives their Lynn Valley property a ghastly makeover. Located at 1382 Wellington Dr., the house is well known in the neighbourhood for its elaborate Halloween and Christmas displays. 
 
This year, a motley crew of ghosts and goblins has once again gathered in the front yard to spook trick-or-treaters, and also raise money for a good cause. As well as handing out candy on Halloween night, the family will, for the first time, be collecting donations for the HOpe Centre. Tindale sustained a workplace injury several years ago, which led to chronic pain and mental health issues, so she’s pleased to support a North Shore facility that delivers mental health services.  
 
“For me, the enjoyment in decorating is just uplifting so that’s why I wanted to raise money for the HOpe Centre, because it’s helped me significantly,” Tindale says, adding that she painted some of the wooden decorations in the yard as a form of therapy. “You can create cool stuff even in dark times.”
 
Wellington is a popular street for trick-or-treaters, Tindale says, evidenced by the 296 kids who knocked on her door last year. A Halloween night destination for many, it’s not unusual for homes to run out of candy.
 
“Friends of mine that I grew up with now bring their kids to my parents’ house because they grew up coming to our house when they were little,” Tindale says.
 
Inclement weather could be a game changer, but Tindale hopes to match or exceed last year’s turnout. As always, her family members will place their bets early in the evening and the person who guesses closest to the final tally wins bragging rights for the year. 
 
While Tindale doesn’t have a fundraising goal in mind, she hopes to at least raise awareness of the HOpe Centre and, in a fitting analogy for the season, “take the mask off” of mental illness.
 
 
Tell us about your house 
 
Is your home decked out for Halloween? Add your address to our interactive map below and a photo of your frightening abode may appear in the Oct. 29 issue of the North Shore News.