Niagara Health Foundation brings back Celebration of Lights for 2026

Nine-year-old Michael is back on the soccer field after a severe viral infection landed him in hospital this summer. His family’s experience in Niagara Health’s Children’s Health Unit is among the stories the Niagara Health Foundation is sharing as it launches its 2026 Celebration of Lights campaign.

The holiday fundraiser opens its series of five community tree lightings Saturday at Niagara Falls City Hall following the Santa Claus Parade. Residents can dedicate a light in memory of someone, mark a recovery or thank a caregiver. The money raised helps the foundation fund equipment, technology and improvements to facilities and patient care across Niagara Health.

For Michael’s family, the campaign is a chance to thank the hospital team that cared for him. His family said staff helped them through the uncertainty of his illness and made a difficult hospital stay easier to manage.

“There’s nothing worse than seeing your child suffer,” Michael’s family said in a statement. “The team cared for Michael as though he was their own and made an incredibly difficult experience more manageable for our family. We will always be grateful for the extraordinary care we received.”

Michael’s return to soccer is one example of what the foundation hopes to highlight this year. The campaign features the Children’s Health Unit, where staff provide specialized treatment for young patients and support their families during a hospital stay.

Celebration of Lights has been a holiday tradition in Niagara for more than two decades. Andrea Scott, president and CEO of the Niagara Health Foundation, said the reasons people dedicate a light are often personal.

“Whether you’re celebrating a recovery, honouring a loved one, recognizing a caregiver or remembering someone special, your support helps ensure Niagara families continue to receive exceptional care close to home,” Scott said. “We invite the entire community to join us in lighting the way for healthcare across Niagara.”

Alectra Utilities returns as the campaign’s longtime presenting partner. Niagara Peninsula Energy and Welland Hydro Electric System Corp. are also back as corporate partners for the campaign and tree lightings.

“The holiday season is a time for bringing people together, and the Celebration of Lights is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together as a community,” said Brian Bentz, president and CEO of Alectra Inc. He said the company is continuing its support through its AlectraCARES Community Support Program.

Community tree lightings

The Niagara Falls and Welland ceremonies will follow their respective Santa Claus parades.

The foundation accepts donations of any amount at LightsForHealth.com. Donors who give $50 or more can have a name or message inscribed on a bulb and choose the Niagara Health site where it will be displayed.