Mark your calendars for December 10th at 7p.m. the 2022 Parade of Lights is returning to Thunder Bay.

The annual fundraiser, which raised 39 thousand dollars last year, helps bring money to Autism Ontario- Thunder Bay, the Thunder Bay branch of Special Olympics Ontario, the Thunder Bay Therapeutic Riding Association and the George Jeffrey Children’s Centre.

Spokesperson Greg Stephenson is encouraging residents to come out and donate to a worthy cause. “We’re hoping to break the 40 thousand dollar ceiling, and obviously above that,” he says adding, “every dollar we raise goes to the four charities and helps them from year to year with their expenses.”

The parade route will remain the same as it was last year and includes a “sensory friendly zone” for those who love the lights but not the loud truck horns.

Stephenson says the parade takes a lot of effort to put together but all that pales in comparison to the dedication of the work done by the charities.

“Our parade is one night a year and it takes some planning. But the four charities, their representatives work tirelessly to help put this parade on, but not only that they work tirelessly to help the special needs kids and adults in the community.”

Cash donations can be made to those walking the parade route night of, or through e-transfer to paradeoflightstb@gmail.com