Stettler’s 2018 Festival of Lights campaign is underway and aims to raise money to upgrade the palliative care and family room at the Stettler Hospital. In addition, funds will go towards a comfort care room across from the palliative care family room, which will be equipped as extra private family space.
Last year’s Festival of Lights raised $101,232. This helped buy an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) machine for the Rochon Sands community. This machine will be housed in an external heated box outside the Rochon Sands Community Hall for use by the entire community in case of emergency. The AED machine cost $1,250. Festival of Lights funds will also pay for CPR training for the Rochon Sands community in the spring and training on the AED machine.
According to Amy Roberts, Chairperson of Stettler Festival of Lights, the event, over the last 20 years, has raised $1,051,088. This money has helped buy: a Stryker Power hydraulic cot and LUCAS 3 Chest Compression system for the district ambulance; 19 Accumax mattresses for acute care at the Stettler Hospital; a ventilator for the ER department and an Automated External Defibrillator for the Rochon Sands Community Hall.
Festival of Lights is celebrating its 21st year with a number of activities. On Dec. 1 is the Dine, Dance and Auction Gala with the theme of Denim and Diamonds. Area residents are invited to to dress up in their favourite denim and wear their best diamonds. Tickets went on sale Oct. 9 at Wish Kitchen and Gift on Main Street Stettler.
Stettler’s Festival of Lights is from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1. There is an Artisan Christmas Market at the Stettler Community Hall during special events.
On Nov. 27 from 7 - 9 a .m. is the Atco pancake breakfast. On Nov. 28 is the Tim Hortons Seniors’ Tea from 2-4 p.m.; Art and Cheer from 7 to 9 p.m. On Nov. 29 there is the Canalta A&W Burgers and Beer Family Night. On Nov. 30 is the Holly Jolly Lunch and Childrens’ Wonderland at the Stettler Agriplex from 1-5 p.m. On Dec. 1 it’s the Denim and Diamonds Christmas Gala with entertainment by Spin Audio. There will be a silent auction, a $2 raffle, mitten tree and tribute tree. Bidding for the silent auction opens Nov. 27 and closes Nov. 30 at 1 p.m.
For more information visit the Stettler Festival of Lights Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/StettlerFestivalofLights/