Numerous partnerships and events help to support local charities at Glow Lethbridge at the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre
Lethbridge, Alta. – As it is the season for giving, Glow Lethbridge has partnered with multiple community partners this season to help raise money and awareness for important causes. Throughout Glow Lethbridge’s run from Nov. 29 to Dec. 31, visitors have the chance to connect with community initiatives that help make Lethbridge and southern Alberta a better place.
Major initiatives include partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta on the Glow Lethbridge coat check, hosting a donation drive for My City Care’s Shop of Wonders on Dec. 12, hosting the Alberta Large Cars Christmas Cruise in support of Lethbridge Family Services’ Angel Tree campaign on Dec. 13, providing a marketplace spot to promote the Christmas Hope charitable campaign throughout Glow Lethbridge, and providing tickets to the Chinook Autism Society to help promote the Glow Without Limits sensory-friendly experience on Dec. 4.
“We know our guests to Glow Lethbridge are in the festive, giving spirit, so we want to make sure they have a chance to connect with organizations who are doing great work in our city and region,” says Paul Kingsmith, Director of Community Engagement, Lethbridge & District Exhibition. “We are fortunate in Lethbridge to have so many organizations who are devoted to helping families and lifting up our community, and incorporating them into the Glow Lethbridge experience is our way of showing support for our community.”
Glow Lethbridge is a 52,000 square foot holiday lights experience featuring a reindeer scavenger hunt, marketplace, a children’s fun area with crafts and inflatable bounce experiences, a ride-on Glow-comotive train ride, one-of-a-kind food and beverage offerings, live entertainment, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, theme nights, live entertainment and more. It runs on select dates through to Dec. 31. More information is available at lethbridge.glowgardens.com.
About the 2024 Glow Lethbridge Community Partnerships:
· Ronald McDonald House Charities – Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta volunteers are running the free Glow Lethbridge coat check on select dates, while encouraging donations to support the organization. Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta supports families seeking vital medical treatment for their seriously sick or injured child.
“We are excited to partner with Glow Lethbridge this year and appreciate being included alongside other local charities. Many families from Lethbridge access the Ronald McDonald House when they need to travel for pediatric care – and it is great to see the support here in Lethbridge,” says Hillary Derksen, Community Engagement Officer with RMHC Alberta. “We are also excited about the local volunteers who have signed up to help RMHC Alberta and be part of this wonderful event.”
· My City Care Shop of Wonders – On Thursday, Dec. 12, from 4-9 p.m., volunteers from My City Care will be on-site collecting donations to the Shop of Wonders, a Christmas-themed store and event that for parents facing financial hardships, allowing them to select gifts for their children up to the age of 17 without any cost. Visitors to Glow on Dec. 12 are encouraged to bring cash or physical donations. A portion of that night’s Glow Lethbridge ticket proceeds will be donated to the Shop of Wonders.
· Angel Tree Large Cars Christmas Cruise – A stunning spectacle for a good cause, big trucks covered in Christmas lights will hit Lethbridge streets on Dec. 13, leaving from Kirk’s Tire and making their way to the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre. The trucks are an incredible sight to behold and will be on display in the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre parking lot, with volunteers giving out treats and collecting donations for Lethbridge Family Services’ Angel Tree campaign. Angel Tree collects new, unwrapped toys throughout the year to distribute to children and youth in the Lethbridge area whose families need help during the holidays.
“The Alberta Large Cars Christmas Cruise came about in 2021 when we had some funds from a t-shirt we sold with my husband’s truck pictured on it that we donated to Lethbridge Family Services’ Angel Tree campaign,” says Jackie Koch, Alberta Large Cars Christmas Cruise organizer. “What started as 12 trucks the first year is now close to 30, and we are so grateful to be welcomed by the community in this way. I believe that the Lethbridge and Alberta trucking communities are larger than people realize and it’s so amazing that these drivers and companies are willing to take the time to come together for such an important cause.”
· Christmas Hope campaign – The Christmas Hope campaign is being promoted through a donated booth in the Twinkle Town Market at Glow Lethbridge. Christmas Hope is a collaboration of six agencies that work to ensure that less-fortunate members of our community get everything they need to feel hope and joy during the Christmas season. The Christmas Hope partnership is comprised of Interfaith Food Bank, Lethbridge Food Bank, Lethbridge Family Services Angel Tree, Volunteer Lethbridge, The Salvation Army, and My City Care Shop of Wonders. This partnership strives to make the most of resources and donations while reducing duplication of services. Visit the Christmas Hope booth to learn more.
· Chinook Autism Society – Glow Lethbridge donated a family pack of tickets to the Chinook Autism Society to promote Glow Without Limits, a sensory-friendly event on Dec. 4 that featured limited crowds, quieter music, calm visits with Santa, a quiet zone for relaxation, a welcoming atmosphere, and other sensory-friendly experiences while ensuring guests sensitive to sensory experiences can still experience Glow Lethbridge. The Chinook Autism Society is part of the Autism Society Alberta, which is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by autistic individuals, their families and the professionals with whom they interact.
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