Community raises $21,000 in 5 days after Lights Along The Grand vandalism in Caledonia

Though Caledonia's Lights Along The Grand" was cancelled this year due to an act of vandalism, community spirit has not only covered the cost of damage, but surpassed it.

Chair for the Caledonia Community Foundation, Julie Henning, posted to their GoFundMe page, asking for $20,000.

Our beautiful displays have been severely damaged by vandals," she wrote. Although we are heartbroken, we love that our community is trying to help us! Our fundraising goal has been increased to account for the cost of repairing our lights."

By Nov. 30, 207 people and organizations had donated $20,900.

COVID, fine, but we don't back down from a challenge," said contributor to the fund, Daniela Cooper.

More funds are expected, with donations arriving through the foundation's website.

They're raising $100,000 to install more adequate hydro through Kinsmen Park, which would also benefit other community activities on the site.

OPP said that its investigation is continuing.