Celebrating a milestone 25th anniversary, the annual Gibsons Wendy’s/Tim Hortons Festival of Lights partners with the Sunshine Coast Minor Hockey Association (the “Blues”) for a slightly different event this year.
On Nov. 29 at 5 p.m., more than 50 sponsored, decorated trees lining the restaurants’ Gibsons Way and Payne Road frontage will light up the night with a traditional seasonal display. The Coast FM Cruiser will be on site to provide seasonal music as the lights come on.
This year’s festival is a fundraiser for Sunshine Coast Minor Hockey Association. The volunteer-run association oversees about 250 young hockey players, ranging in age from five to 18. The group is facing a fundraising shortfall this year with most of its major events cancelled due to pandemic restrictions and this community support will be vital to help cover costs of equipment, ice fees, tournament expenses and other items.
The business community has shown its support through sponsoring and decorating the trees. The public is invited to show their support by coming into Wendy’s or Tim Hortons in Gibsons to donate a Toonie for the Team. With each $2 donation, the donor’s name will be posted on their own replica hockey stick in the restaurant window. Event organizer Melissa Tripp hopes that when the Festival of Lights ends on Jan. 10 the entire front window will be covered with hockey sticks as a show of the community’s support for, and solidarity with, the “Blues.”
“It means a lot to the kids, to see the support from the community,” Tripp says. Normally, the Minor Hockey Association covers its operating costs through fundraising tournaments and events – keeping their fees as low as possible so more can participate. Tripp noted that especially with the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, “Being able to get out on the ice and enjoy the vigorous exercise of a hockey game is so important.” All are looking forward to a fresh start in the new year.
Klaus Fuerniss started the Festival of Lights as a community fundraiser that would support a different charity each year. From a few trees along Gibsons Way, the display has grown each year. Groups receiving the funding help set up the trees along with a boost (literally) from the Gibsons and District Volunteer Fire Department, who hoist Santa into place and help string the high lights. “All this work has been done in great spirit for the enjoyment of others,” said Fuerniss, calling it “a true community event.”
With no gatherings permitted at this time, Wendy’s/Tim Hortons reminds all coming in to donate a Toonie for the Team that the restaurants are strictly following all rules regarding masks, distancing and sanitizing.
– Submitted
