The Starry Nights with its Toy Land theme and other awesome changes was the best-ever annual light-up event to date, says South Cariboo Health Foundation (SCHF) public relations/fundraising co-ordinator Brenda Devine.
Folks and children witnessing the dazzling display of colour, design and bright lights were showing some clear signs of agreement as the “oohs, ahs and wows” could be heard from beyond the parking lot at the 100 Mile District General Hospital.
A creative and sparkling surprise this year was a huge string of lights illuminating Starry Nights in elegant script above the South Cariboo Health Centre’s grand entrance at the east end of the main hospital building, facing Horse Lake Road.
The Starry Nights Light-up is just the beginning of it,” explains Devine. “We’ve been getting donations since the end of October, so it’s going well.”
While the foundation doesn’t yet have a total dollar amount raised with Starry Nights, she is happy with the community support for the funding campaign so far, she adds.
As always, the event got underway after the annual parade downtown, when Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on their float, along with RE/MAX 100 Brokerage float graced by the 100 Mile House & District Figure Skating Club members “all dolled-up” in Toy Land costumes and caroling, and children were sipping hot chocolate well ahead of the 7 p.m. light-up.
Devine says the lights will remain up until the end of January in the foundation’s biggest annual fundraiser for hospital equipment, and then its volunteers will focus on other ways to raise donations and determining the highest needs in hospital equipment to target for the benefit of patients and staff.
This year’s Starry Nights campaign target has been determined already, with all funds raised to go toward the purchase of four, medicine carts, together valued at approximately $15,000.
To donate, mail a cheque to South Cariboo Health Foundation, Bag 399, 100 Mile House, BC V0K 2E0, or drop cash or cheque, indicating what it is for, at one of the hospital’s two reception desks.