THUNDER BAY – The Parade of Lights is set to roll on Dec. 10.
Organizers of the annual event say they’re hoping to exceed last year’s fundraising total of just over $39,000, setting a goal of $40,000. The event lights up the parade route, but more importantly, donates money collected to four worthy charities: Autism Ontario – Thunder Bay and District, the George Jeffrey Children’s Centre, the Thunder Bay branch of Special Olympics Ontario and the Thunder Bay Therapeutic Riding Association.
“Last year was a phenomenal success,” said Greg Stephenson, the former president of the Thunder Bay Police Association, which puts on the parade in conjunction with sponsor Tbaytel.
“We had a year off because of COVID, but to come back and see the support that we had last year, not only from people to watch the parade and supporting us financially, but just the response from all the participants. Some of those floats are just phenomenal with what they do and how they do it.”
Stephenson said the event has proven to be one of the most popular of the year in Thunder Bay for a number of different reasons.
“It’s just a way for people to get out and it doesn’t cost anything, unless you want to make a donation, which we encourage. It’s a couple days before Christmas and everybody’s kind of getting into the swing of things. They’ve had the Santa Claus Parade kicking it off and we’re just kind of an added bonus,” he said.
“People come out and they enjoy it. It’s in the evening, so the lights are fantastic. It’s a good show.”
Once again, the parade will begin at 7 p.m. at Manitoulin Transport on Main Street, continuing up the Harbour Expressway to Memorial Avenue.
The route continues to Queen Street down to Fort William Road, a designated sensory friendly area, through to Water Street.
Cindy Levanto, the executive director of the George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation, said the money raised can have a huge impact on all four organizations.
“The donations that we’ve gotten from this parade over the years have helped support many things that the centre has purchased to enhance services at our centre that do not fall under the government funding model,” she said.
This year, for example, they hope to use the donation to cover a portion of the costs of a new gate therapy treadmill and an assisted device that goes with it.
“The proceeds from this parade will greatly help pay for that,” Levanto said.
Donations may be made to parade walkers along the parade route, or by e-transferring money to paradeoflightstb@gmail.com.
