The public is invited to celebrate the return of the Lights of Hope to St. Paul’s Hospital this Thursday, Nov. 16, which includes the lighting of more than 200 stars and 100,000 sparkling lights spanning the equivelant of 10 kilometres.
The community celebration marks the 20th anniversary of St. Paul’s annual Lights of Hope campaign, which raises funds for the greatest needs of caregivers, patients, residents and loved ones across Providence Health Care’s hospitals and residences.
Since its launch in 1998, community donations to Lights of Hope have totaled more than $31 million, which directly support sites and programs across Providence Health Care, funding urgently needed equipment, life-saving research and items and services essential for patients, residents and community programs.
The celebration this week brings together thousands of British Columbians and tourists for a festive, family-friendly celebration featuring the official lighting of the display, fireworks, local choirs singing Christmas carols, hot chocolate and food trucks lining Burrard Street. The spectacular display of lights will shine every day from dusk to dawn until Jan. 8.
Donors to St. Paul’s Foundation have an impact on every patient, resident, visitor and department and support the work of St. Paul’s Hospital, Holy Family Hospital, Mount Saint Joseph Hospital, St. Michael’s Centre, St. Vincent’s: Brock Fahrni, St. Vincent’s: Honoria Conway-Heather, St. Vincent’s: Langara, and Youville Residence. To learn more about the foundation visit helpstpauls.com.
Donations make it possible for everything from saving lives to providing warm clothing to patients in need to funding research initiatives that change the way St. Paul’s diagnoses and treats disease. Members of the public can help make a difference by donating to the Lights of Hope campaign at lightsofhope.com.
The community celebration takes place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, in front of St. Paul’s Hospital, 1081 Burrard St. For more information, visit lightsofhope.helpstpauls.com.
sthomas@vancourier.com
@sthomas10
