Lights of Hope 2013 display to kick-off with fireworks on Nov. 20

The Lights of Hope display outside downtown Vancouver’s St. Paul’s Hospital has been a familiar sight for years during the holiday season. The massive display raises funds to support the hospital’s greatest patient care and equipment needs.

To celebrate the return of the annual holiday tradition, a special community celebration will be held in the streets of downtown Vancouver. On November 20, the public is being invited to see this year’s Lights of Hope display lit for the first time during a festive outdoor celebration featuring a major fireworks shows, food trucks and fun for the whole family. The light display will remain lit until January 6, 2014.

Lights of Hope must be seen to be fully appreciated. The display is built by volunteers using donated materials – including ten kilometrws of lights! Stars are scattered across the display with the names of individuals and businesses who have donated to the campaign.

According to BC Hydro, despite its size and scope, Lights of Hope uses very little energy. To operate the full display results in an energy bill of just $65 each night. A big part of this energy efficiency is the use of LED bulbs, which account for 60% of the lights. LED bulbs last for 4000 hours, which is twice as long as incandescent bulbs; and strings of LED bulbs use only 1 to 3 kilowatt hours of energy, while strings of incandescent bulbs use anywhere from 12 to 105 kilowatt hours.

You can view and share photos and videos of the display on social media by following us on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #LightsOfHope.

Lights of Hope 2013 Community Celebration & Fireworks

Date: Wednesday, November 20
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Burrard Street, outside of St. Paul’s Hospital in downtown Vancouver

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Image: Lights of Hope