Harbour Lights - Supporting those in need

Starting Monday, Nov 28th, Partners at Port Saint John and Saint John Energy join CBC Radio One Information Morning and the Board of The Harbour Lights Campaign Inc to raise funds for 16 food banks across the region.

This is our 26th annual campaign and need in our communities has never been greater with many financial challenges and burdens impacting individuals and families.

The original concept of Harbour Lights was to help food banks manage the challenging winter months. Today, and for the past several years, the funds raised have become vital annual support upon which, we’re often told, food bank organizers have come to depend.

As a group of organizers and companies, we’ve all been doing this Campaign long enough that mechanics of mounting the Campaign are embedded into our daily work routines.?On the eve of year 26, I’d like to thank them all for this commitment to our communities, particularly

·????????the exertion and dedication of the Port Saint John maintenance team who assemble and electrify the 80-foot tree on a light standard at Long Wharf;

·????????members of The Harbour Lights Campaign Inc. Board who share their time and expertise to provide financial oversight, work with the potters who create the coveted limited-edition mugs, take in and administer the donations and run in general the charity;

·?????????Saint John Energy who contributes the energy cost of the tree and supports the bulb replacement program each year; and importantly

·????????the team at CBC Radio One Information Morning in Saint John, from where the concept of Harbour Lights originated, and who’ve always had the critical role of sharing vital human stories from the communities the Campaign helps.

The Harbour Lights Campaign literally takes a community to be successful, as the Campaign has grown over the years, so too has the involvement of people in our region.?Bake sales, breakfasts, coffee houses, staff and corporate donations, as well as students at schools in the region have all made a significant difference in lives of people.?The variety of ways people of raised funds is a long list, and we are grateful for their ingenuity and effort of each and every one.

Once the campaign begins, over 133,000 lights on the tree are gradually lit by donations. When the total reaches $150,000, the tree and star are fully lit.?But we keep going into the New Year, even after the show goes off air.?

The food banks need us, how can you help: Listen to CBC Radio One Information Morning Saint John (91.3 FM) for Campaign updates over the next month and donate here: The Harbour Lights Campaign Inc.

Follow Harbour Lights on Facebook and Instagram. #foodbanks #community #portcity