Observing Christmas in October seemed like a funny thing to do, but a town in Canada thought it's the best idea yet since the people of the town want to celebrate the holiday with a young boy who might not live long enough until December.
Evan Leversage, 7, has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour that has left him blind in one eye and constantly low on energy, according to CTV News.
When doctors informed his mother Nicole Wellwood that Evan might not have much time left to live, she created a bucket list for him. Members of their St. George, Ontario community got wind of her plan and helped her out. One of the things they included in the list was to celebrate Christmas in October.
"It's hard to explain to a 7-year-old," Wellwood said about the early Christmas celebration. "My best response has been, you have a lot of people that love you. That's the truth."
Over 6,000 people, including members of the Ontario Provincial Police, agreed to attend a 25-float parade and celebration last Saturday. The parade included a special visit from Santa Claus, and a movie production company provided artificial snow so as to complete the effect of Christmas.
Social media users started the hashtag #LightsonForEvan to promote the young boy's Christmas in October.
Other things on Evan's bucket list are simpler and easier to accomplish, such as going out to eat chicken wings, getting a dog named Ernest, and going to see a movie. However, Evan's mom doesn't think now is the best time to get a dog.
Wellwood's cousin Shelly earlier created a GoFundMe page to help the family pay for their medical bills. They have set a goal of $1,500 but it has now reached over $18,000.
"It's hard for her to think of the future," Shelly said of her cousin. "Funds will go directly toward helping Nikki (Evan's mom) with food and living expenses for her and the boys over the next few months."
