A part of Burrard Street is glowing bright with thousands of lights as part of the 23rd annual Lights of Hope holiday festival.
It's a tradition that’s been held outside St. Paul’s Hospital since 1998, one seeking to help Vancouver patients and caregivers in need during the holiday season.
“Taking a page from Dr. Bonnie Henry, we’ve re-imagined Lights of Hope this year as Hope at Home – and we hope you’ll join us in our time-honoured holiday traditions, adjusted so we can celebrate together, while apart,” said festival organizers.
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the display is available for viewers to watch from the safety of their homes, thanks to a 24/7 live-stream.
The installation – set up at 1081 Burrard St. – lit up for this first time this year on Nov. 19.
Lights on the hospital display fade when donations to help care for its patients are few and far between. (Martha Perkins)Lights of Hope is part of a fundraiser that supports patients in need, including residents and caregivers at St. Paul’s, Mount Saint Joseph’s Hospital, and Providence Health Care’s long-term care facilities.
Passersby can choose a donation amount, tap their debit card to donate, and help keep hope alive for the patients of St. Paul’s. Those interested can also purchase a limited edition Hope at Home star lantern to show support for Lights of Hope from home (the lantern is accompanied with string fairy lights and a battery pack) or donate online.
The light festival has raised more than $40 million, since 1998, for Vancouver hospital patients and their caregivers. (Martha Perkins)The display’s “Living Light” shines brightly when donations are made, and it fades when it goes without support.
Since its inception, the hospital fundraiser has raised more than $40 million, supporting the purchase of much-needed medical equipment, research, and teaching.
This year’s display of stars will glow until Jan. 4.
