Brighten the Lives of Seniors Campaign


Thank you everyone for your generosity during our Brighten the Lives of Seniors fundraising campaign. Your kind donations directly support our Quality of Life Fund. This fund supports initiatives, programs, experiences, and service improvements that help seniors thrive.
Our goal is to raise more than $35,000 through this campaign.

What is Brighten the Lives of Seniors?

This fundraising and community awareness campaign is inspired by the illumination of the trees and buildings at Central Services and McQueen Place Lodge along 142 Street.

This initiative celebrates the season of giving and shines a light on how donations bring warmth, joy, and connection to seniors. By lighting up these spaces, we’re creating a powerful visual that symbolizes the difference community support makes. Each light represents the hope and happiness that donations to our Quality of Life Fund provide by funding meaningful initiatives, programs, experiences, and service improvements that enrich the lives of seniors across our communities.

Donate to our Quality of Life Fund and help brighten the lives of seniors today or see below for more ways to get involved!

Donate Here!

The community Light Up Event, hosted by McQueen Place Lodge, officially launches the campaign. It’s an opportunity for families, friends, neighbours from McQueen and North Glenora communities, staff, volunteers, community partners, and McQueen Place Lodge residents to celebrate community and generosity. There will be indoor and outdoor activities, so please dress warmly. This event goes on sleet, snow, or shine!

  • Official Lighting Ceremony: Guests will watch as the grounds shine bright symbolizing the warmth, joy, and connection that community support brings.
  • Glow Bracelets by Donation: Guests can purchase glow bracelets, with proceeds supporting GEF’s Quality of Life Fund.
  • Fire Pits and Refreshments: Hot chocolate, apple cider, and treats will be available to guests as they gather around cozy fire pits.
  • Live Music: A performer will create a festive atmosphere.
  • Special Guests: TBA
  

Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: McQueen Place Lodge
10938 142 St NW
Parking available at Central Services Office
14220 109 Ave NW

Brighten the Board offers a unique way for individuals, families, and businesses to share messages of positivity and support, while contributing to programs that brighten seniors’ lives.

From December 8, 2025 to February 28, 2026, GEF’s billboard (located on 142 Street and 109 Street) will be surrounded by a vibrant display of lights. Donors to our Quality of Life Fund will have the opportunity to share their own messages on this billboard, drawing attention from commuters and the community.

Donors can submit a short message to be featured on the billboard for either three days or one week – based on their chosen donation level.

These messages can include personal greetings, heartfelt tributes, or corporate holiday greetings, provided they follow guidelines that emphasize positivity, inclusivity, and family-friendly content.

Every eligible contribution will receive a tax receipt.

Families and Individuals:

Message DurationDonation Amount
3 Days$100 Minimum
1 Week$250 Minimum

Vendors and Corporate Supporters:

Message DurationDonation Amount
3 Days$325 Minimum
1 Week$750 Minimum

To keep the board cheerful, respectful, and inclusive for everyone in the community, all submitted messages must follow these guidelines below.

Messages We Welcome:

  • Festive and positive: Share holiday cheer, well-wishes, or gratitude.
    “Happy Holidays from the Thompson Family!”
    “Wishing joy to Edmonton’s seniors — from ABC Plumbing.”
    “In memory of Grandpa Joe — forever in our hearts.”
  • Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages and public viewing.
  • Supportive of the campaign’s spirit: Messages that celebrate kindness, community, and seniors.
  • Inclusive: Welcoming of everyone, regardless of faith or background.

Messages We Cannot Accept:

  • Offensive or discriminatory content (including language or innuendo targeting any group or individual).
  • Political or partisan messages (including endorsements, campaign slogans, or political commentary).
  • Messages that promote a specific religion or belief system (gentle seasonal greetings like “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah” are welcome).
  • Advertising focused content (including sales pitches, pricing, or product promotions – business names and goodwill messages are welcome).
  • Messages longer than the allowed character count.

GEF’s Right to Edit:

  • Minor edits for spelling, clarity, or formatting may be made.
  • Any messages that do not meet the established guidelines may be declined or be revised.

Character Limit:

  • Up to 12 characters per line (including spaces), with 4 to 5 lines available.
Click to Participate!
Click to Participate!