Barnes Boneyard Haunt

It's taken nearly a year for me to get back here and wrap my brain around last years haunt. I have been struggling since last October to be able to find the right words for all the overwhelming emotions from last year. It's very hard to put into words what I felt, walking around the haunt looking at the excited faces of the children, the smiling faces of the volunteers the looks of appreciation from the people who came, and took a moment to say they realize how much work went into it. It's such a sense of community and togetherness. I'll never forget it as long as I live. It's not just "Halloween" to me. It's a magical time. That whole feeling of coming together to do something great. We made something fantastic for kids to enjoy, we raised money to help families in crisis and we honored a brave and beautiful life.
Seventy nine volunteers, over 400 volunteer hours in the month of October alone, and 3000 visitors to the haunt. Amazing! That being said, we have decided that the haunt will only run every second year. It's such a huge undertaking for everyone. Planning starts in May, as soon as our Gala is finished and the physical work starts in June. The months of September and October see people at my home almost everynight working on props and putting together skeletons and ghouls. Neighbours give up their yards, the street literally shuts down, countless volunteers spend endless hours out in the rain for two days and nights of set up, and then miraculously, every year, it clears up and the sun starts to shine an hour before we open. TV and Radio crews come and broadcast, The newpapers come and put us on the front page. People stop by and offer help and donations. It's a whirlwind of faces and feelings. It's truly my favorite time of year.
When I step back and think "What is it that brought us all here, together?" There's several answers. Yes, we all love Halloween. We enjoy each others company. We have a common interest in helping families in our community. But ultimately, the reason we were all here, was because of her, because of Cameryn. The reason we stood outside in the cold for days, why people took days off work to help, and why no one complained, not even once, is because she inspired us. Just by her being here, however briefly, whether we knew her or not, something about her touched us enough that we all came together and did something beautiful. I have a feeling she was smiling down on us the whole time and guiding us along and perhaps even helped us out a bit with the weather. I like to think she'd be proud of us all.
So, in closing, I'd like to thank you all again for coming out with your time, your dollars and for bringing your children and asking questions about Cameryn's Cause. We've helped thirteen Campbell River families so far this year. All children with different types of health problems ranging from cancer, to heart surgery, and critically premature infants. I know we've made a difference in their lives. We couldn't have done any of it without all the support we get from everyone in the community. Thank you all so much.
See you all next Halloween!
Mandy