'Darth Vader is the guy for the job': Star Wars themed election signs popping up on Toronto-area lawns
If your choices in the upcoming federal election have you pining for candidates from a galaxy far, far away, there may be a new hope on the horizon.
Rick Di Lorenzo, a councillor from the town of Milton, is creating cheeky election lawn signs, featuring characters from Star Wars and Harry Potter, as a fundraiser for local charities.
With candidates like Darth Vader and Obi Wan Kenobi, and featuring slogans like “Together we can rule the galaxy” and “Seriously it’s not a trap,” this campaign is meant to be more light-hearted than its federal inspiration.
“It's been very positive and like 99 per cent of people are saying it’s hilarious,” Di Lorenzo told CTV News Toronto. “Some people took the signs, because they're saying in this election they can’t support either candidate, so they’re going to put this sign out instead.”
Di Lorenzo, who is accepting orders through his Facebook page, says donations to any Milton-based charity shall be honoured, but he’s encouraging people to support the Milton District Hospital Foundation.
“I had some personal experiences with the hospital with my two sons, Kevin and Ryan. Kevin was born with Kawasaki disease, and Ryan had jaundice. Most people don't realize local hospitals, although the operating costs are funded by the provincial government, any equipment is funded by local sponsorships, fundraisers and donations. I wanted to make sure my own hospital had better equipment.”
Selling lawn signs may qualify as literal grassroots fundraising, but small scale operations can still have an impact.
Andrea Cayer, a spokesperson with the Milton District Hospital Foundation, says COVID-19 has curtailed the hospital’s efforts to raise money. The inability to hold large-scale galas and indoor events has seen the hospital’s sponsorship intake shrink nearly 10 per cent since the pandemic began.
“Virtually no (provincial) funding is provided for equipment or technology purchases, from ultrasound machines to MRI IV poles and beds,” Cayer told CTV News Toronto.
“Everything helps, so it's been really nice every morning to see all the donations coming in that are supporting Rick. And it truly all adds up, you know, a little bit from everybody helps us reach our goals.”
Peter Loeppky jumped at the chance to put a Darth Vader sign on his lawn, in support of the Townsend Smith Foundation, which is raising money to build a hospice in Halton Region.
“This is a great way to give back to the community,” says Loeppky, who, like most Canadians seems split on his choices in the upcoming (real) election.
“I'm not really convinced that anybody's going to get the job done properly, so I thought this would be more fun than just supporting nobody.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
Trump election victory 'very unlikely,' but 'possible': former FBI director Comey
Former FBI director James Comey says while he believes former U.S. president Donald Trump "will be defeated" in the upcoming presidential election, he doesn’t think it’s a given.
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
This Calgary home has a giant tree in the middle, and it's for sale
There's a luxury 'tree home' for sale in Calgary.
WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection
A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
2 children among 5 people hospitalized after head-on crash on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa's west end
Two young children and three adults were seriously injured in a major collision on Highway 417 between Palladium Drive and Carp Road in Ottawa's west end Friday afternoon.