When Lights On Stratford returns to the city next month, it will shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by those going through the cancer journey.
The festival will encourage donations at one of the tap-to-pay stations located at each of the main Lights On Stratford locations.
According to a press release, one of the festival's partnerships is with Wellspring Cancer Support Centres, which provides emotional, psychological, and educational support to anyone affected by cancer.
The organization receives no funding from government resources, or non-governmental organizations. It relies on support from the community to offer no-cost programs to families directly impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
Poems written by Wellspring members will be found at each Lights On Stratford installation.
Lisa Stacey, Wellspring's Stratford office manager, said donations contribute to no-cost programs and services provided to anyone affected by cancer, fostering hope and healing within the community.
"I am also excited that poems written by our members from our series of poetry workshops will be displayed at each of the installations this year," Stacey said.
The poetry workshops, led by local award-winning poet Heidi Sander, have helped members find healing, comfort, and self-discovery within the safe space of Wellspring, Stacey said.
“Heidi’s workshop is the most powerful group therapy I have ever encountered,” said Geri, a Wellspring member.
“Destination Stratford takes a community-first approach to all of our destination development efforts, and on behalf of our entire organization, it is a privilege for this winter’s Lights On Stratford to focus its charitable fundraising efforts to benefit the local Wellspring Cancer Support Centre and help support the incredibly meaningful work being done there for our community”, said Zac Gribble, executive director, Destination Stratford and Festival Director, Lights On Stratford.
The first 200 donations of $10 or more made at the Destination Stratford office will receive a Rhéo Thompson Candies Chocolate Mint Smoothie.
Lights On Stratford runs nightly Thursdays through Sundays from December 15 to January 13 and is free to the public.
