As the clock turns to 5:30 p.m., the switches get turned on at the Vanleeuwen home in Ilderton, Ont. to reveal a Christmas display of epic proportions. Inspired by his childhood, Jeff Vanleeuwen has spent a decade perfecting the holiday light show.
LONDON, ONT. It s a scene right out of the movie National Lampoon s Christmas Vacation. The Vanleeuwen home at 220 Songbird Lane in Ilderton, Ont. was lit up for the holidays with thousands of lights. Homeowner Jeff Vanleeuwen says setting up is a process that takes about four weeks. The family has been collecting donations for Childcan and the local food bank. Thursday they were able to present a cheque forjust over $25,000 to the Ontario charity that helps families with children battling cancer. We initially had a goal of $3,000 to raise for ChildCan, we eclipsed that by a lot, said Vanleeuwen.