The giving season has returned to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The NOTL Chamber of Commerce is hosting the town’s annual Candlelight Stroll on Friday, Dec. 5 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., with proceeds this year going to Pink Pearl Canada, an organization supporting young women who’ve been diagnosed with cancer.
The evening will begin at the old Courthouse with greetings from Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa, Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates and chamber and Tourism NOTL chief executive Kathy Weiss.
After the event’s recipient is introduced, candles will be lit and participants invited to begin the stroll, led by horse-drawn carriages from Sentineal Carriages.
“The Candlelight Stroll is such a special moment for our community,” Weiss said in a news release. “It’s a night where neighbours, families, and visitors come together to share the simple joy of the season.”
This year, after seeking suggestions from residents, the chamber’s board chose Pink Pearl Canada as this year’s charity. The organization supports and connects self-identifying young women across Canada who are facing the social and emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
Candles will be available at stalls along Queen Street between King and Regent streets, as well as at the Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake Visitor Centre and the Fort George Bus Lot Visitor Centre.
Volunteers — including students from Vineridge Academy, NOTL Ambassadors and community members — will help distribute them.
Candles are offered for a suggested $5 donation, payable by cash on Queen Street or by debit and credit at the visitor centres.
A $5 donation during the stroll also provides visitors with a Ho Ho Passport, which offers discounts at participating businesses from Dec. 5 to 7. Rotary Holiday House Tour ticket holders can access the same offers by showing their ticket stubs.
Guests are encouraged to bring food donations for Newark Neighbours, which will have collection bins in front of the Courthouse. The organization provides Christmas hampers for more than 50 local families.
Parking will be available at Fort George, accessible from the Niagara Parkway at 51 Queens Parade. A free shuttle will run between Fort George and the Courthouse from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Candles will also be sold at Fort George for $5.
Several choirs, bands and musical performers will volunteer their time along the stroll route.
Anyone wishing to make an anonymous donation may contact Weiss at kathy@niagaraonthelake.com.
