Each year, the annual holiday light display at Gibsons Marina grows and glows, creating a magical family experience. This year, as more than 30,000 bulbs reflect a “Sea of Light” in Gibsons Harbour and the Coast’s tallest Christmas “tree” is a beacon for local photographers, Gibsons Marina teams up with the Salvation Army to raise funds, food and gifts for the Adopt-a-Family Food and Toy Drive.
From Dec. 19 to 22, marina visitors are invited to enjoy the display and drop off a donation of cash, non-perishable food items or a new, unwrapped toy to help cheer a family in need. The marina office will be open until 6 p.m. during this special blitz to receive donations.
This year has been especially grim for many Coast families. Salvation Army director Darrell Pilgrim noted that, since the end of CERB, “we have seen a 10 per cent increase in use of our food bank. In meeting this need, we appreciate the warm support this event, and our community, offers us.”
Confirming his love of Christmas lights (“and the more, the merrier!”), marina owner Klaus Fuerniss pointed out the new feature of decorated trees lining the marina wharf. As with the Festival of Lights at his Wendy’s/Tim Horton’s restaurant in upper Gibsons, proceeds from the sponsorship of the trees will go to the Salvation Army Food Bank.
“This year, we wanted to help shed a light on the fact that many families in our community are in dire need,” Fuerniss said. “The Salvation Army really needs us to help if we can. So we hope as people come to enjoy our Sea of Light, they will also share the warmth of the season and help make a child’s Christmas happy by donating an unwrapped, new toy.”
– Submitted
