Body shop becomes haunted house for Halloween

October 28, 2015 · 0 Comments

Any one who has ever used its services would know Albion Hills Auto Collision as a top notch family run local business in Palgrave.
And it is just that, 364 days a year. For one day though, Oct. 31, it is magically transformed into a haunted house.
That magic comes from the hands of owners Sandra and John Barbaro, their staff and a few friends. They spend three days preparing for what is becoming a Caledon tradition. They empty out the body shop and transform the interior into a series of spooky rooms to scare those brave enough to come. Last year, the brave numbered 450, and Mrs. Barbaro is hoping that this, their seventh, year will top 500 visitors.
“We wanted a way to give back to the community, and it has just grown from there,” she said. “It’s so much fun, and we get to raise some money for a worthwhile cause at the same time. We don’t charge admission, but people still give generously.”
This year, proceeds are going to White Birch right across the street. Opening its doors about a year ago, White Birch offers a day program for adults with special needs, a service that was lacking in the area. The centre’s founder, Carlo Summaria, is thrilled to have the support.
“We are in the process of becoming a registered charity, and we appreciate all the help we get from the community,” he said. “The people who come for our programs get a lot out of it, and we teach them important life skills that they don’t get elsewhere.”
Albion Hills Auto Collision is at 17063 Highway 50 in Caledon. Bring the family any time between 6 and 9 p.m., and have a fun fright. Entry is free, and a donations box will be available for those who choose to make one.