THUNDER BAY — It was another successful year for the Parade of Lights and the four charities they support.
After an unusually warm December night, the Parade of Lights had approximately 150 participants, said Greg Stephenson, who is the chair of the parade.
"My father counted every vehicle because it's hard for us when we have vehicles that sometimes don't show up or you have vehicles that show up and aren't registered. He said he counted 154 vehicles, big trucks, small trucks, Jeeps, you know."
It was also a successful year for the four charities that are supported through the Thunder Bay Police Association: George Jeffrey Children's Foundation, the Thunder Bay chapter of Special Olympics Ontario, Autism Ontario, and the Thunder Bay Therapeutic Riding Association.
Recipients were given a cheque for $44,138.35, less than a thousand dollars short of last year's efforts.
"I don't want to draw back on what we did do," Stephenson said about not reaching this year's fundraising goal. "We were maybe a little under $1,000 less than last year, but with inflation, we're very happy with over $44,000."
Cindy Levanto is the CEO of George Jeffrey Children's Foundation. She said government funding can only be spread so far with programs and services at the George Jeffrey Children's Centre.
"So, fundraising dollars are really, really important to offset the cost for programs and services offered at the centre."
The next Parade of Lights will be held on the event's 25th anniversary.
"The charities are just talking now about what we can do to make the 25th even more exciting for the community. We look forward to seeing everyone next Dec. 7."
The Parade of Lights happens on the first Saturday of December, barring any reason to choose a rain date.
