Community Comes Together with an Inflatable Screen to Show Movies Under the Stars in Toronto, Canada

Kipling Plaza in Toronto transformed its entire parking lot into a community movie event, renting a 25-foot inflatable screen to show a top-secret kids' film for the neighborhood. “If you like pandas and you like kung fu, you'll like this movie,” hinted John Delguidice, manager of the Giant Tiger store at the plaza.

The event was organized in partnership between Kipling Plaza, Giant Tiger, the nearby Salvation Army, and Toronto Fire Station 415. The Salvation Army band played until showtime; firefighters collected toy and food donations in lieu of admission. Neighbors were asked to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Giant Tiger handed out glow chains and other freebies to kids.

“We're looking to change the face of the community -- to bring kids out to a fun event so that instead of getting into trouble, they can do something more productive,” Delguidice said. “This is a low-income neighborhood, and for the price of a can of beans, families can come out and watch a movie with their neighbors.” Organizers expected 200 to 1,000 attendees and hoped to make it an annual event.