• Ontario
• Greater Toronto Area
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• East End
• The Beach

DeClute Light Up The Beach raises over $11,000

There were more than 80,000 lights on 15 trees along the boardwalk.

The ninth annual DeClute Light Up the Beach was the most successful year ever, raising over $11,000 that will go toward mental health and addiction services in the community. This was a significant increase from the $2,000 raised last year.

Over 4,000 residents came out to witness the annual holiday tradition and donated generously. Santa Claus appeared to magically light up over 80,000 holiday lights on 15 trees along the boardwalk. Guest singers Emma Harvey and MPP Arthur Potts, as well as the Malvern C.I. band and choir were on hand to serenade everyone with holiday favourites.

In any given year, one in five people in Ontario experience a mental health or addiction problem. Seventy per cent of mental health problems have their onset in youth, with young people between the ages of 15-24 more likely to experience mental illness than any other age group. Left undiagnosed and untreated, mental illness can contribute to a life of unnecessary suffering. For those struggling with these issues, this can be an especially challenging time of year.

“Michael Garron Hospital has served this community for nearly 88 years. We have a comprehensive mental health and addictions program at based at our hospital and in the community, to provide care where and when people need it” said Sarah Downey, President & CEO, Michael Garron Hospital. “Thanks to the vision and generosity of DeClute Real Estate and our sponsors, we will put the proceeds from Light Up the Beach into our mental health and addictions services to offer new hope and healing for our community and improve their health.”

The trees will be lit up nightly for everyone to enjoy until the end of February. Donations can be made throughout the year by visiting www.lightupthebeach.com.