R.I.P. Canadian Film Community Fixture Harvey Lalonde: Remembering a Dedicated Volunteer

Harvey Lalonde

Harvey Lalonde, a beloved member of Canada's cinema community known for his unwavering dedication and volunteer efforts at film events and festivals in Toronto and beyond, has passed away at the age of 60. The news of Lalonde's passing has deeply saddened the Canadian film circles, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, festival organizers, and film enthusiasts who had the pleasure of working alongside him.

Lalonde's journey as a devoted volunteer spanned over two decades, leaving an indelible mark on numerous festivals and events. The Reel Asian International Film Festival, where Lalonde first found paid work in 2008, expressed their heartbreak at the loss of their cherished volunteer. Lalonde's familiar face became synonymous with the festival, and his warm presence was a source of comfort for returning audiences. Reel Asian lamented that his last appearance at the festival last November would be remembered as a bittersweet farewell. "Rest easy, Harvey - you will be so dearly missed," they wrote.

Toronto After Dark, a renowned horror, sci-fi, and action event, hailed Lalonde as "Toronto's biggest-hearted volunteer." They emphasized his significant contributions to not only their festival but to countless others in the city. Fantasia International Film Festival, Montreal's premier film event, also recognized Lalonde as a star volunteer, lauding his commitment to their festival and others, including the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Blood in the Snow, and Toronto After Dark. The Canadian Film Fest expressed their gratitude for Lalonde's unwavering support and highlighted his genuine love for helping audiences and filmmakers alike.

Peter Kuplowsky, the programmer of TIFF's Midnight Madness section, fondly remembered Lalonde as a connector and champion of people from various art communities, particularly the world of film. Kuplowsky emphasized the support Lalonde had provided him throughout his journey and the profound impact of their friendship.

Lalonde's influence extended beyond the confines of the film industry. Bay Street Video, one of Toronto's last remaining video stores, acknowledged his enduring presence, stating that if you loved film and lived in Toronto, you had undoubtedly crossed paths with Lalonde. They expressed that film festivals would never be the same without him, extending their condolences to his loved ones and hoping that his memory would be a blessing.

Reflecting on his early years, Lalonde's passion for film was evident as he frequented Toronto's classic cinemas during his youth in Etobicoke. In 1995, Lalonde decided to volunteer at TIFF to experience the other side of the festival. This decision marked the beginning of his remarkable journey as a dedicated volunteer. The Globe and Mail's 2009 profile highlighted Lalonde's commitment, noting that he would dedicate over eighty hours of service to festivals, sustaining himself with free popcorn and volunteer lunches. Despite a two-hour commute to his home near Pearson airport, Lalonde's enthusiasm remained unwavering.

Lalonde's impact was recognized not only through his volunteering but also through his involvement in Linda Matarasso's documentary, "You Know Harvey." The film, which showcased Lalonde's passion for film festivals and included interviews with his colleagues, unfortunately remained incomplete. However, Matarasso has expressed interest in finishing the documentary as a tribute to Lalonde, fulfilling his wishes.

In July 2020, Lalonde faced homelessness after being evicted from his home in Toronto. The film community rallied together, spearheaded by Kelly Michael Stewart, the founder of Blood in the Snow, to raise over $25,000 through a GoFundMe campaign. The campaign aimed to provide Lalonde with housing and serve as a heartfelt thank you to a man who had touched the lives of many in the film community.

Harvey Lalonde's unwavering dedication and warm spirit have left an indelible impact on the Canadian film community. His absence will be deeply felt, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of volunteers and film enthusiasts alike.