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Lights help North Okanagan group glow brighter

Colour-changing lights honour special dates; 3rd NONA Lights For Kids campaign announced
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Vernon’s North Okanagan Neurological Association (NONA) has permanent exterior lights that can change colours. NONA will make the lights orange from Sept. 25-30 in recognition of National Truth and Reconciliation Day, Sept. 30. (Contriibuted)

The lights have brightened for a Vernon organization.

The North Okanagan Neurological Association (NONA) has officially activated its permanent exterior lights.

With grant money received from the Community Foundation North Okanagan, NONA hired Accent LED Lighting to brighten up the building.

“The fun thing about these lights is that we can change the colours to what we need, orange and purple for Halloween, blue for World Autism Day, or purple for Purple Day of Epilepsy,” said NONA executive director Helen Armstrong.

“But more importantly, it will bring awareness to these important days for our kids and what NONA does in the community.”

In recognition of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, NONA’s Treehouse and Clubhouse buildings will radiate a beautiful shade of orange from Sept. 25 to 30.

The exterior lights came about as a result of fundraising challenges during the pandemic.

An idea was born to create a COVID-friendly fundraiser by decorating NONA’s buildings for Christmas. Shortly thereafter a partnership with Vernon realtor John Christmas came to life and NONA joined the Christmas Lights Tour.

“Today we are planning the third NONA Lights for Kids Campaign set to illuminate our community from Dec. 1 to the 31,”said NONA events coordinator Gina Watson.

“The Christmas lights were such a hit that it got us thinking. What if we can honour and celebrate those days important to our organization and the kids we help? The permanent lights are an extension of this successful annual event.”

The services provided at NONA include speech therapy, infant development, autism services and many more. Every year more than 850 children and families receive services from NONA.

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Roger Knox

About the Author: Roger Knox

I am a journalist with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. I started my career in radio and have spent the last 21 years working with Black Press Media.
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