The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund is seeking support for its Bright Nights 50/50.
With online donations down by 40% this holiday season, firefighters are calling on the public to support the Bright Nights 50/50. As of Dec. 22, the jackpot had surpassed a milestone of $200,000 – and the hope is it reaches the $1 million-mark by New Year’s Eve.
“The Burn Fund relies on its holiday fundraisers to cover the costs of programs for burn survivors year-round,” Gord Ditchburn, president of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, said in a press release. “Our charity receives no government funding and depends on the support of generous donors and the public through fundraisers like the Bright Nights 50/50.”
The charity of BC’s professional firefighters is also seeing losses at Bright Nights in Stanley Park, which re-opened this year following its closure in 2020 because of COVID-19. Donations are down by 70% compared to 2019 because of lower attendance due to capacity restrictions of 50% and rainy weather.
Proceeds from the Bright Nights 50/50 fund programs for burn survivors, including Burn Camp for kids, accommodations through the Home Away program and counselling for families who have been through a traumatic experience.
According to the Burn Fund, the New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society has supported the Burn Fund in many ways. Over the last 12 years, the charitable society has donated $30,700 to the Burn Fund, including a $500 donation at the this year’s Bright Nights kick-off.
New West firefighters help set up Bright Nights in Stanley Park every year and also volunteer at the event to accept donations for the Burn Fund.
To help raise money for the Burn Fund, members of the New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society took part in the 2018 and 2019 Vancouver Sun Run, running the 10-kilometres route with an extra 60 pounds on their backs – their full turnout gear – to help raise money for the cause that’s near and dear to their hearts.
Tickets for the Bright Nights 50/50 are one for $15, three for $40, and six for $60. The deadline is New Year’s Eve. Tickets can be purchased at www.burnfund.org.
In a Dec. 22 email to the Record, the Burn Fund stated the Bright Lights in Stanley Park event had been sold out due to the 50% capacity restrictions, but some tickets have become available due to returns. In addition to capacity limits and dividers on trains, COVID protocols now require Bright Lights ticket holders to show proof of vaccination before being admitted to the event.
Tickets for Bright Lights in Stanley Park are available at www.ticketleader.ca.
