Firefighters in Maple Ridge have donated thousands to to a fund supporting burn victims as they prepare to take on Bright Nights in Cloverdale.
On Monday, Nov. 27, the Maple Ridge Fire Department Charitable Society donated $5,000 to the BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund.
The fund, founded by Coquitlam fire fighter Captain Alex Blake and Vancouver General Hospital Dr. Charles Snelling in 1978, supports essential programs and care given to burn survivors across the province to help them through their recovery process.
A burn camp was started in 1994 to host young burn survivors. And, in 1997, the Burn Fund donated $1 million to VGH to establish a new burn unit.
Today, more than 4,300 professional fire fighters in 55 communities in B.C. and the Yukon dedicate their time and skills to the Burn Fund.
Bright Nights has long been the single largest annual fundraiser for the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund.
Since 1997, thousands of fire fighters from across the province have volunteered their time and energy to bring this holiday tradition to life.
This year it is being held in Surrey as part of the Noel Holiday Light Festival at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, which was a legacy started by Surrey residents Bob Wingfield and Marg Barrett in the mid-1980’s, when they first raised funds for burn survivors with their home display.
Millions of lights have been strung up at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre. Displays include a fire truck, giant red reindeer, and a tunnel of lights.
Firefighters will be handing out candy canes.
The Noel Village will feature photos with Santa, live music, festive food, and a Christmas market.
Thee will also be complimentary rides on certain days on a 50 foot Ferris wheel and on bumper cars.
An accessible path around the pond at the amphitheatre, will allow those with mobility issues to enjoy the festivities as well.
Firefighters will be accepting donations at the festival, with proceeds going to programs like Home Away at the Burn Fund Centre, a safe and supportive place for those undergoing treatment in Vancouver. A portion of all Noel Surrey ticket sales will also benefit the Burn Fund.
In addition there will be a 50/50 draw, tickets are on sale for this until Tuesday, Dec. 23.
On Wednesday evening, Nov. 26, a few members from Maple Ridge Local 4449 were on site at Bright Nights putting on the final touches of the display for opening night on Friday, Nov. 28.
Members will be running the operation on Sunday, Dec. 7, for those who would like to meet and support the local Maple Ridge firefighters.
Bright Nights runs until Sunday, Dec. 28, at the corner of 176 Street and 64 Avenue, Cloverdale.
Children six and under are free.
Tickets are $22 for adults and $17 for seniors and youth during the week, plus tax.
From Friday to Sunday, tickets are $25 for adults and $19 for seniors and youth, plus tax.