St. Paul’s Foundation’s 20th annual Lights of Hope fundraising campaign raised $3.1 million this holiday season. The generous donations from corporate and individual donors, Providence Health Care staff and volunteers will fund the greatest needs of caregivers, patients, residents and families.
Since 1998, Lights of Hope has raised more than $34 million, providing much needed funding to purchase urgently needed equipment, support world-class research and teaching and enhance patient care.
“Celebrating 20 years of Lights of Hope, we are truly moved by the community’s incredible support,” says Dick Vollet, President and CEO, St. Paul’s Foundation. “Your donations will have a direct impact on tens of thousands of patients, residents and caregivers this year.”
Funds raised through this year’s campaign will directly support sites and programs, including:
• Quality of Life Programs – Art cart programs that provide a therapeutic and creative outlet for renal patients who must log many hours hooked up to dialysis machines, as well as an art studio and art supplies for residents of St. Vincent’s: Brock Fahrni.
• Medical Equipment – Urgently needed medical equipment and technology that will have an immediate and large impact on patient care, ranging from advanced imaging equipment to seemingly simple yet no less valuable devices.
• Research – Funding will support research efforts that can have a local, national and global impact, and ensure the benefits of research translate quickly into better patient care.
• Community Programs – The DUDES Club (Downtown Urban Knights Defending Equality and Solidarity), a support group for men living on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, connects men who have lost contact with the health-care system due to substance abuse with health-care providers in a safe and trusting environment.
Since the community and lighting celebration took place on November 16th, 2017, thousands of British Columbians and tourists have come out to see the brilliant display at St. Paul’s Hospital. Built by over 150 volunteers in what has become a 20-year-old holiday tradition, the display inspires hope and donations, and is made up of donated materials, more than 100,000 sparkling lights and 200 stars. The last day to enjoy the lights this season is January 8th, 2018. For more information about Lights of Hope visit www.lightsofhope.com.