NONA Light Up.  (NONA/Facebook)

By Pete McIntyre

Vernon’s Christmas Lights Tour is back, supports NONA

Dec 6, 2022 | 1:12 PM

Residents can see some spectacular Christmas lights and support an organization that helps children at the same time.

The fourth annual John Christmas Light Tour is back and, for the second year, the local realtor who the event is named after, has partnered with the North Okanagan Neurological Association (NONA) to raise awareness and donations for their programs.

The association helps families and caregivers of children with a wide range of developmental challenges providing services such as speech therapy, infant development and autism services. Every year, over 800 children and families receive services from NONA.

“I hand selected 20 of the best homes in Vernon. These homes are spectacular. There are signs at every home with a local business sponsor on each one,” John Christmas told Vernon Matters.

Click here to see the homes and more details about the 2022 Christmas Light Tour.

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The tour runs until the end of December, and the website also provides a way for people to make donations to NONA.

Meantime, the NONA Lights for Kids event is underway from Dec. 5 to 31 and has the agency’s downtown buildings at 2802 34th Street decked out with lights.

The community can view the lights and decor, designed by local artist and long-time NONA supporter, Nancy Wilde, every day from 5 to 9 p.m.

“We are excited to bring back the NONA Lights for Kids with John Christmas Light Tour and continue with this community event. There are so many beautifully decorated homes in Vernon that participate in this event, and NONA is looking forward to adding on to this and making something special for the children in our community,” Helen Armstrong, executive director at NONA, said.

Armstrong said the fundraiser is vital for NONA and the children who receive its services.

“The support from government funding only takes us so far and NONA needs your support, the support from our community, to continue to provide services to children who live with a disability,” she said.

Donations can be made at www.nona-cdc.com.

NONA will hold its Fill Stockings event on Saturday, Dec. 17, sponsored by Match Eatery and Public House.

Families can visit NONA, say hi to Santa and his elves and enjoy the magic of the lights. NONA will also be handing out a special surprise to the children.

“Our partnership with NONA is one we are very proud of. The services they provide to children in our region are vital to their development and we’re extremely excited to be the title sponsor of this year’s Fill the Stockings event,” Keith Rickard, general manager of Match Eatery & Public House in Vernon, said.

NONA will be collecting donations on Dec. 17 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.