Vancouver’s Lights of Hope set to start Nov. 17

Thousands of lights will be shining again in Vancouver as the Lights of Hope display is being set up.

The Lights of Hope are coming back in full-force after being somewhat dimmed by the pandemic.

Construction on the display at downtown Vancouver’s St. Paul’s Hospital started on Saturday after a ground breaking ceremony.

Cecilia Tupper, the chief development officer at St. Paul’s Foundation, says work is now underway to unspool and install thousands of lights, and over 250 stars.

“It’s a massive massive undertaking, and we can see that there are hundreds of people here, we’ve got engineers, and volunteers, construction crews, and they’re giving everything they can to help put this display together over the next four weeks,” Tupper said.

The display is set up with the help of professionals and volunteers, and Tupper adds that she is grateful for any help that people can give.

“I have immense gratitude for everybody who can make any size donation,” she said. “You can sponsor a star and get your name in lights, or you can purchase a Hope at Home Lantern that allows you to bring Lights of Hope into your home.”

Vancouver’s Lights of Hope returns on Nov. 17, 2022. (Photo courtesy of St. Paul’s Foundation)

The foundation says they have been illuminating the street since 1998, and using the funds raised to help people.

“Right now our doors are open, and there’ll be open over the coming months for patients who are really facing some of their darkest and challenging medical moments. We see some of the sickest people in the province, and they are physically, mentally, and emotionally vulnerable,” Tupper explained.

She says that by helping the foundation, it allows staff to meet the needs of people in need.

“When you support Lights of Hope, with the patients that are feeling most vulnerable, you can be assured that you’re giving caregivers the tools and the equipment they need to treat our patients, and residents with the utmost care, and compassion,” she said.

Thousands of visitors are expected to come see the nightly display, that is set to run for six weeks, from Nov. 17 to Jan. 6.

“It brings a huge smile to my face, because I know that people are doing this for the goodness of the people that they care about, and the community at large. It’s really nice to be able to have this huge swell of gratitude, to know that we’re all in it together, and we’re coming together to make this possible for patients, and residents,” Tupper said.

The foundation aims to raise $3.6 million this year, and plans to use the money on critical equipment, life-saving research, and community programs.

Tupper adds that the money will also go toward, “patient comforts that make our patients and residents feel that they’re cared for in a compassionate way.”