HAGERSVILLE—The downtown business area of Hagersville is looking merry and bright thanks to the annual Twinkle Lights campaign and volunteers from Simplicity Air Ltd.
Twinkle Lights is an initiative of the Hagersville and District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC). Simplicity Air became involved after relocating from Ancaster to Hagersville in May of 2022. Bill Meems, who joined Simplicity Air as Business Development Manager in June 2022, attends HDCC meetings on behalf of the company. It was there that he learned support was needed for the continuation of Twinkle Lights.
Volunteers from Simplicity Air Ltd. hauled out the holly on November 18, 2023 to dress the downtown for the season. Glenn Godfrey is shown placing the clock wreath supported by Bill Meems (left) and Cody Bassindale. 
Simplicity Air Ltd. volunteers Gerry Selvaggi, left, and Shanna MacPherson were among briefly pose as they set up Christmas decorations in downtown Hagersville. 
Simplicity Air Ltd. volunteers Jodi Farrauto, left, and Laura Layden were among briefly pose as they set up Christmas decorations in downtown Hagersville.
“It immediately caught my attention,” he recalls. “I thought of the community minded team at Simplicity Air. Our management team resonated with the idea of contributing to the holiday magic for people in and around and travelling through the downtown core.”
After expressing an interest in taking over the holiday initiative, Simplicity Air assumed responsibility in November 2022. Meems shares, “Our small group of volunteers took on the Twinkle Lights decorating project with the motivation to spread some holiday cheer in the community…. The previous team had done a great job with the project and, with that solid foundation, we were able to accomplish what we set out to do.”
Building off their first year’s experience, a group of eight Simplicity Air staff plus one spouse met on November 1 to organize and arrange the decorations in preparation for the decorating session on November 18. Meems says, “We are still developing our understanding of what more this effort could offer to our community.”
Those interested in participating in the Twinkle Lights project as volunteers or donors can reach out to HDCC for more information.
Though newer to Hagersville, Simplicity Air Ltd. has been in business for 25 years. It was founded in 1998 in Selkirk by Brian and Carolyn Bassindale before moving to Ancaster a few years later. The company specializes in innovative mobile climate control solutions and services for on and off road vehicles and the commercial vehicle manufacturing industry.
Meems asserts, “The Twinkle Lights initiative is a testament to our community-oriented mindset. Our team is working hard to spread holiday cheer to locals and visitors passing through Hagersville on their way to work or home in other areas of Haldimand County.”
“We hope that these efforts and the decorations on display provide everyone with some holiday cheer and that reminder that the holidays are just around the corner,” he continues. “From our team to everyone in the community, we hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season!”
The Twinkle Lights committee welcomes feedback, which can be shared with HDCC. Messages of appreciation to the volunteer team of “Santa’s Helpers” can be sent on Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) @SimplicityAirLtd or by email to billm@simplicityair.com.
