Chris Trussell, Lesley Stoyan and their six-year-old son Luke have selected their Christmas tree. But it is not just for them, it is for the entire neighbourhood.
For the last two years, this family has been busy making sure no one is left out during this special time of the year.
“Cup of Cheer is a community event that my wife and I started a couple years ago,” said Trussell, Co-Founder of Cup of Cheer. “We thought it would be an important piece to bring the community together. We try to bring the neighbour back in neighbourhood.”
“It was a wish of mine growing up in Toronto, that neighbourhoods could come together in the same way that family does,” said Stoyan. “What better time to do it than Christmas?”
Trussell and Stoyan live in Mount Pleasant Village and are extremely involved in the community year-round. From farmer’s markets, to movie nights in the park, to a pumpkin parade in the fall.
Yet there is nothing quite like their Cup of Cheer event.
“They are an amazing couple and a huge asset to this neighbourhood,” neighbour Naomi Buck said. “They have got people out on Mount Pleasant, which is kind of the local artery, and you are seeing people you do not otherwise see.”
The children from the neighbourhood and their families gather to light the tree, paint mugs and other decorations to hang on the tree for everyone to enjoy.
“I love the old fashioned Christmases and the whole concept of Victorian singers and eating and the kids running around,” said Trussell.
“I’m from a small town and that is how I grew up. So if we can replicate it here with a big city, that would be great!”