The Paul Rushforth team embraced the holiday spirit and got the season kicked off by participating in TWO Parades of Lights. Not only did we have a great time giving hot chocolate and treats to parade goers, we created our own floats!
That’s right – we divided up the team so we could attend the Parades in Orleans and Stittsville. If you’ve never seen the event before, there are multiple Parades for different regions of Ottawa. We participated in two parades – the ones for Orleans and Stittsville which both happened on Saturday, November 28th, 2015 at 6 PM.
Organized by the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association, each Parade is dedicated to helping needy families who otherwise would not have toys to give to their children. It is estimated that the campaign will help over 20,000 families, and there are even more who go without. As the parade follows its route, firefighters collect toys and cash to give to the families. This year, the Parade raised $27,000!
The parade costs don’t come out of the donations, but are paid for by the association and by businesses in the community who sponsor the event. Businesses absorb all costs for the floats.
Some of our favourite moments include seeing our Elves, Josh and Kerri, all dressed up in costume. It was truly heartwarming to see the joy they brought to the little boys and girls they met.
We a great time this year at two of the Santa Parades of Lights this year – if you couldn’t make it out we encourage you to donate to the Salvation Army’s Toy Mountain campaign. You can donate toys (new toys only please) for boys and girls 0 – 12 years of age, or make a financial donation.
See you next year!
The Orleans Parade of Lights Website >
The Stittsville Parade of Lights >