More than 130 inflatable snowmen take over Burlington neighbourhood

While waiting for the school bus last year,three moms had an idea: Can we get everyone in the neighbourhood to put up the same inflatable Christmas decoration?

More than a year later, roughly 130eight-foot tall inflatable snowmen keep watch over their Burlington, Ont. neighbourhood. Meanwhile, "Frosty's Village" hasbrought in hundreds of food donations for the local food bank.

"We thought it'd be a really cool idea to bring neighbours together," said Christina Gibson, one of the organizers.

After forming the idea, Gibson and her neighbours bought up dozens of inflatable snowmen from multiple Canadian Tire stores. Then they wentdoor-to-door trying to convince their neighbours.

A lot of people jumped onboard last year and the idea snowballedin 2020.

The neighbours are using"Frosty's Village" as a chance to solicit donations for the Burlington Food Bank.

They collected around 900 pounds of food last year, and are hoping to double the donations after formally partnering with theBurlington Food Bank.

The food bank has seena surge in new users amid COVID-19,said executive director Robin Bailey.

"The number of new users more than doubled compared to previous years."

Bailey said there was a 20 per cent increase in food bank use this November and he's noticeda "substantial increase" in activity in December.

This "Frosty's Village" helps bring "a little bit of joy," he said.

Gibson said the snowmen havebeen a great way to meet neighbours and connect her community

She said she's noticing more cars coming into their neighbourhood, as people drive around looking at snowmen-filled streets.

"We keep saying, what a perfect idea to have for this year," said Gibson.

"Itwasn't like we knew the pandemic was happeningwhen it started."

A few neighbours help organize and promote the event, and she keeps seeing more Frosty's popping up.

"I think that this year it's really resonated with us how easy it can be to start a little project and watch it grow into something bigger."