Most people are getting into the Halloween spirit today, but that didn’t stop dozens of volunteers from getting ready for the Christmas season by helping kick off the 18th annual Lights of Hope campaign at St. Paul’s Hospital.
Twelve-year-old Mason Van Steinburg and his eight-year-old cousin Logan were among the 150 volunteers who helped string thousands of lights outside the downtown Vancouver hospital.
“We bring these guys to teach them about community and how to grow community,” said father Adam. “That’s why we do it.”
Many donors, including Global BC, are taking part in the charitable event, which will shine with stars and 10 kilometres of lights.
Money is raised through the sale of stars that will appear on the display. This year’s edition hopes to raise upwards of $3 million to go towards diagnostic equipment.
“This is life-saving fundraising,” said Lights of Hope committee chair Doug Hamming. “This is keeping this hospital current with the state of health care globally,”
Electrician Ronnie Jimmerson travels from Portland, Oregon each year to be part of the event.
“This is my third year coming up,” he said. “Love it. Look forward to it. It’s my time to get away, come in, do some volunteering, enjoy your city and get some relaxation.”
Lights of Hope will officially kick off on November 19 with an outdoor celebration.
-With files from Jennifer Palma
- Soccer superstar Lionel Messi to miss Saturday match vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
- B.C. announces 670 subsidized units in next phase of rental housing plan
- Closing arguments begin in B.C. trial of man accused of driving into residential school march
- ‘I thought this is it’: B.C. man’s dashcam captures dump truck falling onto his car
Comments