The Christmas decorations outside the NONA Child Development Centre on 34th Street (submitted photo)

By Liam Verster

NONA Lights for Kids

NONA Child Development Centre celebrating 50 years with annual Lights for Kids, fundraisers

Nov 12, 2025 | 12:28 PM

The North Okanagan Neurological Association is celebrating 50 years serving the community with its annual light up.

The NONA Child Development Centre provides services to families with children or youth diagnosed with autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

To mark the milestone year, NONA will take part in several events for its fifth annual Lights for Kids celebrations between Dec. 1 and Dec. 31:

• The John Christmas Light Tour, a self-guided tour through the North Okanagan featuring the area’s “most dazzling holiday light displays:
• A Shop Local campaign, where local participating businesses will contribute a portion of sales and event proceeds to NONA
• An online silent auction from Dec. 1 – 8
• A community Holiday BBQ and photos with Santa event at the NONA parking lot on 34th Street from 4 – 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 5, where families can get a photo with Saint Nicholas and dinner by donation

“It’s wonderful to see so many homeowners, local businesses, and community members coming together once again to make the season brighter for the children and families we support,” Alicia Ponich, executive director of NONA, stated.

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“This kind of generosity truly makes a difference, it helps us continue providing the programs and services that mean so much to local families.”

Maps for the John Christmas Light Tour will be available online starting on Dec. 1.

“The NONA Lights for Kids with John Christmas Light Tour has truly become a beloved holiday tradition that brings the community together and continues to grow in popularity each year,” John Christmas, owner of John Christmas Real Estate Group, said.

“It is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. Grab a map, take a drive, and enjoy the lights while supporting local kids and families.”

The businesses taking part in the Shop Local campaign are:

• Nicholas Alexander Home & Garden: Photos with Santa and your pet on Nov. 23; photos with Santa on Nov. 30 and Dec. 7
• Kaleco: five per cent of all sales on Nov. 29 and 30 going to NONA
• Ratio: $1 from every donut sale on each Friday in December will go to NONA
• Starting Block: hosting a by-donation run/walk/shuffle to Polson Park and then laps around the track, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. on Dec. 4
• Chicken Little: five per cent of all sales on Dec. 6 going to NONA
• Lincoln Lanes Bowling: 10 per cent of all open bowling sales on Dec. 19 and 20 going to NONA
• Match Eatery & Public House: $1 from each dessert sold between Dec. 1 and 31 going to NONA