VANCOUVER, Nov. 23, 2015 /CNW/ - With Christmas just around the corner preparations for the 18th Annual Bright Nights in Stanley Park are well underway. Bright Nights in Stanley Park is an annual tradition for many families in the Lower Mainland and has seen visitors from as far away as England.
Santa's elves have been working diligently for the past several months to transform Stanley Park into a captivating and dazzling lighting display complete with music, sweet snacks, entertainment and, of course, Santa Claus himself. 'It's sure to delight kids, both young and old," chuckles Ray Boucher, Burn Fund Director and Chair of the Bright Nights Committee. When asked how he and his team were able to manage the sheer volume of light display enthusiasts, Ray replied, "We want to make certain that everyone is able to enjoy this magical event, and having had such an overwhelming show of visitors in past years, we're open this year for extended hours."
Over 200,000 visitors attend the event annually and that number is growing. "We are exceptionally pleased with the support from the public and our Sponsors. Over 800 fire fighters contribute more than 8,000 hours over the 3 month period of Set-Up, Operations and Tear Down. It's a monumental undertaking of combined efforts to make this event so successful," says Ray Boucher. "The funds raised will make a huge difference to burn survivors and their families in our province."
The monies raised through donations in the front gate bins go directly to the Burn Fund, which provides life-saving, life supporting and life enriching services to the people in BC. More than 3,900 professional fire fighters around the province dedicate their time and skills to support burn survivors. They increase the public's knowledge about fire and burn safety through its Burn Awareness, Research and Prevention programs.
The Burn Fund encourages visitors to show their generosity by bringing food items for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. Food bins will be on-site at the entrance gate. Most needed items include: canned meat/fish; natural peanut butter; whole wheat pasta/rice; pasta sauce; canned fruits/vegetables; 100% fruit juices; low-sugar cereals; baby food, formula & diapers. www.foodbank.bc.ca
The joint event of the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund and the Vancouver Park Board is open from November 26, 2015 – January 2, 2016. We will be closed on Christmas Day, December 25.
Bright Nights in Stanley Park – hours:
Nov 26 – Dec 17: Mon-Thurs 3pm – 10pm / Fri – Sun 10am – 11pm
Dec 18 – Dec 27: Everyday 10am – 11pm *Closed Christmas Day
Dec 28 – Jan 2: Everyday 10am – 10pm
Advance tickets at Ticketleader 604-252-3700, http://ticketleader.ca/events/bright-nights-2015 . Same day tickets available, starting November 26, at the on-site Miniature Railway Box Office in Stanley Park from 12:00pm (10am for Matinees) 604-257-8531.
For more information about the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund, or to make a donation, please visit www.burnfund.org
SOURCE British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund
Image with caption: "Twinkling lights reflect stunning brilliance from the pond surface at Bright Nights in Stanley Park. (CNW Group/British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151123_C4365_PHOTO_EN_551573.jpg
Nola Laubach, Media and Sponsorship, BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund, 604-436-5617, [email protected]
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