Dec. 5, 2024
Numerous partnerships and events help to support local charities at Glow Lethbridge at the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre
Lethbridge, Alta. – As it is the season for giving, Glow Lethbridge has partnered with multiple community
partners this season to help raise money and awareness for important causes. Throughout Glow
Lethbridge’s run from Nov. 29 to Dec. 31, visitors have the chance to connect with community initiatives
that help make Lethbridge and southern Alberta a better place.
Major initiatives include partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta on the Glow
Lethbridge coat check, hosting a donation drive for My City Care’s Shop of Wonders on Dec. 12, hosting
the Alberta Large Cars Christmas Cruise in support of Lethbridge Family Services’ Angel Tree campaign
on Dec. 13, providing a marketplace spot to promote the Christmas Hope charitable campaign
throughout Glow Lethbridge, and providing tickets to the Chinook Autism Society to help promote the
Glow Without Limits sensory-friendly experience on Dec. 4.
“We know our guests to Glow Lethbridge are in the festive, giving spirit, so we want to make sure they
have a chance to connect with organizations who are doing great work in our city and region,” says Paul
Kingsmith, Director of Community Engagement, Lethbridge & District Exhibition. “We are fortunate in
Lethbridge to have so many organizations who are devoted to helping families and lifting up our
community, and incorporating them into the Glow Lethbridge experience is our way of showing support
for our community.”
Glow Lethbridge is a 52,000 square foot holiday lights experience featuring a reindeer scavenger hunt,
marketplace, a children’s fun area with crafts and inflatable bounce experiences, a ride-on Glowcomotive train ride, one-of-a-kind food and beverage offerings, live entertainment, visits with Santa and
Mrs. Claus, theme nights, live entertainment and more. It runs on select dates through to Dec. 31. More
information is available at lethbridge.glowgardens.com.
About the 2024 Glow Lethbridge Community Partnerships:
Ronald McDonald House Charities – Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta volunteers are
running the free Glow Lethbridge coat check on select dates, while encouraging donations to
support the organization. Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta supports families seeking
vital medical treatment for their seriously sick or injured child.
“We are excited to partner with Glow Lethbridge this year and appreciate being included
alongside other local charities. Many families from Lethbridge access the Ronald McDonald
House when they need to travel for pediatric care – and it is great to see the support here in
Lethbridge,” says Hillary Derksen, Community Engagement Officer with RMHC Alberta. “We are
also excited about the local volunteers who have signed up to help RMHC Alberta and be part of
this wonderful event.”
My City Care Shop of Wonders – On Thursday, Dec. 12, from 4-9 p.m., volunteers from My City
Care will be on-site collecting donations to the Shop of Wonders, a Christmas-themed store and
event that for parents facing financial hardships, allowing them to select gifts for their children
up to the age of 17 without any cost. Visitors to Glow on Dec. 12 are encouraged to bring cash
or physical donations. A portion of that night’s Glow Lethbridge ticket proceeds will be donated
to the Shop of Wonders.
Angel Tree Large Cars Christmas Cruise – A stunning spectacle for a good cause, big trucks
covered in Christmas lights will hit Lethbridge streets on Dec. 13, leaving from Kirk’s Tire and
making their way to the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre. The trucks are an incredible sight to
behold and will be on display in the Agri-food Hub & Trade Centre parking lot, with volunteers
giving out treats and collecting donations for Lethbridge Family Services’ Angel Tree campaign.
Angel Tree collects new, unwrapped toys throughout the year to distribute to children and
youth in the Lethbridge area whose families need help during the holidays.
“The Alberta Large Cars Christmas Cruise came about in 2021 when we had some funds from a tshirt we sold with my husband’s truck pictured on it that we donated to Lethbridge Family
Services’ Angel Tree campaign,” says Jackie Koch, Alberta Large Cars Christmas Cruise organizer.
“What started as 12 trucks the first year is now close to 30, and we are so grateful to be
welcomed by the community in this way. I believe that the Lethbridge and Alberta trucking
communities are larger than people realize and it’s so amazing that these drivers and companies
are willing to take the time to come together for such an important cause.”
Christmas Hope campaign – The Christmas Hope campaign is being promoted through a
donated booth in the Twinkle Town Market at Glow Lethbridge. Christmas Hope is a
collaboration of six agencies that work to ensure that less-fortunate members of our community
get everything they need to feel hope and joy during the Christmas season. The Christmas Hope
partnership is comprised of Interfaith Food Bank, Lethbridge Food Bank, Lethbridge Family
Services Angel Tree, Volunteer Lethbridge, The Salvation Army, and My City Care Shop of
Wonders. This partnership strives to make the most of resources and donations while reducing
duplication of services. Visit the Christmas Hope booth to learn more.
Chinook Autism Society – Glow Lethbridge donated a family pack of tickets to the Chinook
Autism Society to promote Glow Without Limits, a sensory-friendly event on Dec. 4 that
featured limited crowds, quieter music, calm visits with Santa, a quiet zone for relaxation, a
welcoming atmosphere, and other sensory-friendly experiences while ensuring guests sensitive
to sensory experiences can still experience Glow Lethbridge. The Chinook Autism Society is part
of the Autism Society Alberta, which is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism
and the day-to-day issues faced by autistic individuals, their families and the professionals with
whom they interact.
Get tickets and find more information at lethbridge.glowgardens.com.
