Photo credit: Brant Realty

St. George, Ontario, population 3,124, has a wonderful nickname – The Friendly Village. They’ve earned the title. Christmas has come early to the town, all in the name of giving, and kindraising.

Evan Leversage is terminally ill with brain cancer he’s battled almost his entire life. He’s been through chemotherapy and radiation. He’s lost vision in one eye. His family learned recently that his condition was worsening and there was nothing more the doctors could do. Sadly, he isn’t expected to live to December 25. So his community came together and moved up the calendar so he can celebrate Christmas, his favourite holiday, one last time. Main Street will light up with Christmas decorations. Every storefront will be aglow. The trees will be strung with colorful bulbs. The sidewalks will be full of reindeer and Santas and snowmen.

I talk and write a lot about how the world can change for the better with just one action, one person. Evan’s cousin, Shelly Wellwood, began circulating a small poster around town asking if people would consider putting their holiday decorations up early so Evan could experience one last real Christmas. The entire town, and now, people across the entire world, has given their time and effort for this to happen.

Read more of this amazing initiative here.