Calgary couple combines Christmas cheer with support for food bank

As they highlight bright festive holiday lights around the city, a Calgary couple aims to support an important cause and is encouraging others to do the same.

The Calgary couple behind the popular website “Lighten Up Calgary” highlights the city’s best Christmas light displays, which helps residents plan how best to visit all the homes.

Silvana Stoesser and Christian Fruhen say it all started many years ago with a few Christmas lights and just one Santa.

“Oh, we started with the website, I think 10 years ago, because we wanted to showcase other Christmas displays around town,” Stoesser told CityNews.

“We created the website, and there is a map, and people can look at the map and drive around in their community or somewhere else.”

They have poured their heart and soul into this project, organizing the list of decorated houses by neighbourhood and making it easy for families to bundle up, hop in the car, and enjoy a festive night out.

One family says it’s a yearly tradition.

“We come out every year, usually make some hot chocolates and hit the road, and we do a little route based on the website that these guys run, and just do most of the southwest in one night,” they said.

But it’s not just about holiday cheer. The site also encourages visitors to give back, supporting the Calgary Food Bank and other charities along the way.

Several houses on this website have a physical donation box placed outside for people to bring non-perishable food items when they visit.

However, they are facing some challenges. Donations have been decreasing.

Back in 2021, the project helped collect over 950 pounds of food. That number dropped to 265 pounds in 2024. But they’re hopeful Calgarians will once again step up this year.

“Come over. Don’t think you have to bring bags and bags,” Fruhen said.

“I mean, it’s nice. We take the bags. We have a truck to take it away. But even the small donations make a difference as well.”

So, as you check out those twinkling lights this year, they’re asking you to consider adding one more step by donating to the Calgary Food Bank box or an organization of your choice to help keep the spirit of the season shining a little brighter.

Stoesser and Christian Fruhen will continue to collect food donations at 15003 Deer Run Drive SE until Jan. 6.

They’re also encouraging people to check their website and make monetary donations, which will be used to buy and donate food.