Charlottetown’s P.E.I. Christmas House lights up the night for cancer fundraising

Maria Sarrouh reports on a home in Charlottetown, P.E.I., covered in over 38,000 Christmas lights, spreading cheer while raising money for cancer support.

From towering inflatables to tens of thousands of lights, one home on a Charlottetown cul-de-sac is doing more than drawing a crowd.

The “P.E.I. Christmas House” has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society since 2019, as visitors swing by to enjoy the decorations and drop dollars in support. They come for the Christmas magic and to support a cause that hits close to home for some.

“After having treatment here on the Island, I know what it takes,” Jan Rooth said. “I appreciate everything that’s done. And know that there’s more that can be done. And it does take money to do that.”

Rooth and her husband, Karl, missed the display last year, and wanted to make sure to catch it this time.

“We thought we’d just take a drive before the storm and see what it looks like. It’s wonderful,” Karl chimed in.

Some walk past, others drive by, leaving their donations in a box that collects money in front of the yard.

“It’s pretty cool, there’s a lot of work that went into this thing,” visitor Mike Gilbert said.

That work falls to Liam Kearney, who started the P.E.I. Christmas House fundraiser six years ago. He spends dozens of hours decking his home and front yard, covering the space with roughly 38,000 lights and more than two dozen inflatables, plus hand-painting signs. When the wind, rain or snow knocks pieces out of place, Kearney just puts it all back up.

“Having young children myself, it’s nice to be able to see the Christmas lights and get in the Christmas spirit,” Kearney said. “But there’s also a lot of people here on P.E.I. that have been affected by cancer and want to contribute to this.”

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, researchers estimate there will be 254,800 new cancer cases and 87,400 cancer deaths across the country in 2025.

Kearney has helped raise more than $21,000 and hopes to hit $5,000 this year. The funds help cover stays at the Canadian Cancer Society’s lodges and much more.

“The funds that are raised, they go to really important causes,” he says. “It helps people with their travel needs for treatment… Even simple things like getting a wig for somebody that’s going through breast cancer, and they want to be able to go to shop at the grocery store.”

Online donations are available through the Canadian Cancer Society’s P.E.I. Christmas House fundraiser page, with tax receipts issued for eligible amounts.

“Every moment is a gift, especially at Christmas time, and especially for people living with cancer,” Kearney says.