Light the Lake

Lights, action and hordes of kids


By Hazel Postma, Associate Vice President
External Relations

The 5th annual Envision Financial Light the Lake, a fundraiser for Douglas College Foundation, was a magical evening of lights and Christmas festivities including Santa, carol singers, crafts, a roaring bonfire, hot chocolate and apple cider, and a range of vendors from jewelry to artisan cheeses.

Foundation staff worked with College and community volunteers to host the festival that attracted 5,000+ people to LaFarge Lake Park across from the David Lam Campus. The event would not have been possible without the huge in-kind donation of electrical equipment, aerial lifts, trucks and muscles provided by a host of Metro Vancouver companies and residents.

Volunteers, including students, staff, faculty and administrators, their children and local residents, ran activity and craft tents, helped sponsors sell food and novelty items, and organized a stage show that included Santa, Steve Darling of Global TV, as well as theatrical and musical ensembles. Strolling carollers halted by the bonfire where people kept warm beside a fire tended by Coquitlam firefighters while face-painted children made glass lanterns they used to light their way through the crowds.

With Envision Financial as the major sponsor, the event will likely raise more than $20,000 for student aid. The Foundation thanks everyone who volunteered their time, energy and talent to making Light the Lake an evening to remember.