Annual Celebration of Lights Christmas fundraiser returns, uniting the Niagara community to support healthcare at Niagara Health Foundation. Photo: Facebook/Niagara Health Foundation
The Celebration of Lights Christmas Fundraising Campaign is returning for another season, the Niagara Health Foundation. The event began on Nov 13 and will run through Jan 7, 2024, with the motto for this year being to “Celebrate Recovery, Support Healing, Honour Someone Special. “
The Celebration of Lights seeks to highlight the experiences of grassroots community members, such as Ashley and her baby Charley. Ashley recently arrived at the St. Catharines Hospital for a routine C-section delivery. Things took a serious turn, however, when Charley was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with breathing issues at birth.
“I have nothing but great things to say about the NICU,” Ashley said. “They have amazing resources and such specialized equipment, which was critical for Charley and his care,” she explained. “Everybody on the NICU team was so good to us, and they were good to Charley.”
The Celebration of Lights is participating in ceremonial tree lightings across Niagara, including Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Welland City Halls, and the Niagara Regional Headquarters.
The heads of the Niagara Health Foundation and Alectra Inc. shared their enthusiasm for the event and partnership.
“The Celebration of Lights campaign symbolizes our community’s unity in supporting those in need, especially during the holiday season. Every donation is a beacon of hope and healing for patients at our hospitals,” said Andrea Scott, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Niagara Health Foundation.
“On behalf of Alectra, I am honoured to be a part of this year’s Celebration of Lights,” Brian Bentz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alectra Inc. said. “For the past seven years, Alectra has proudly supported this incredible initiative raising vital healthcare funds for Niagara Health,” he continued. “As we illuminate the city, we shine a spotlight on our remarkable frontline workers, acknowledging their selfless dedication to protect us and our community.”
Various local officials also expressed their support for the Celebration of Lights.
“Lighting up Christmas trees around our Region is a symbolic way to say thank you to the amazing staff at Niagara Health and to remind us that caring for our loved ones involves the entire community,” said Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati. “We appreciate your donations toward the Celebration of Lights Campaign, and when we all look around and see the twinkling trees this holiday season, we can be encouraged by the incredible support for excellent health care throughout Niagara.”
“The City of St. Catharines is excited to partner with the Niagara Health Foundation to light up the tree at City Hall for the Celebration of Lights,” St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe shared. “I am honoured to be part of the tradition to flip the switch to launch the 2023 campaign, and I encourage Niagara residents to consider donating to light a holiday bulb and ensure that our friends, family, and loved ones will have access to excellent healthcare, close to home.”
“The City of Welland is excited to partner with the Niagara Health Foundation in celebrating the 2023 Celebration of Lights Holiday Campaign in support of Niagara Health,” Welland Mayor Frank Campion said. “On behalf of myself and Council, thank you to the Niagara Health Foundation, Alectra Inc. and all the generous donors,” he continued. “You are making a difference in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of those in need in our community and the entire Niagara Region.”
“On behalf of Regional Council, I am pleased to once again be taking part in the Niagara Health Foundation’s annual Celebration of Lights Campaign,” stated Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley. “The foundation plays an important role in Niagara, providing funding for the equipment, programs and projects that Niagara’s residents rely on when they have to visit the hospital,” he added. “This year, I encourage residents to not only participate in the lighting ceremony but also to consider supporting the Celebration of Lights Campaign should they have the means to do so.”
“I want to express my sincere thanks to the community for its support of this important campaign, which will ensure our teams at Niagara Health have the equipment they need to care for our families, friends and neighbours,” shared Lynn Guerrirero, President and CEO, Niagara Health. “Our teams work so hard to care for the people of the Niagara region, and your help in making sure they have the tools to do that truly is a gift.”
Those interested in making donations can do so at LightsForHealth. Contributions exceeding $50 will be personalized and displayed at Niagara Health locations across the region.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
