Light Up McCormick is an annual holiday fundraising campaign aimed at raising funds to advance excellence in dementia and senior care at McCormick Care Group. This campaign is an innovative collaborative partnership between McCormick Care Foundation and Fanshawe College’s Recreation and Leisure program. It involves illuminating trees at McCormick with holiday lights, symbolizing hope and love for our residents, clients, care partners and families.

The campaign runs from October 18 to January 31, 2025, allowing for an extended period of festive giving. This is a good option to make your “end-of-year” gift and make a world of difference in the lives of those we care for and their families during our holiday campaign, Light Up McCormick. The more donations, the more trees we light, and the more lives we change.

Every dollar you donate brings us closer to reaching our $50,000 goal and lighting up all 28 trees. But more than that, your donation supports the highest priority needs of McCormick Care Group including the Learning and Development Centre, home to Ontario’s pioneering Long-Term Care simulation lab.

Donors can witness the impact of their contributions as we light up trees around McCormick Care Group. The more donations we receive, the more trees we illuminate, brightening the holiday season for our residents, clients, care partners, families and our community.

Access to the McCormick Home car park is limited to Disabled access only during the event so that we can make space for our amazing trees! Please park opposite the home on Linkway Blvd.

Yes! The first 50 people who donate $50 or more and attend our campaign launch event will receive a special holiday gift as a token of our appreciation. But that’s not all! Everyone who donates $50 or more—either online by midnight on November 19, 2024, or in person by 6:00 pm during the event—will be entered into a draw to win two tickets to the Ritz Gala on May 1, 2025.

The event includes various activities such as photos with Santa, speakers corner, musical entertainment, carroling, and of course, the lighting of trees. During the event, don't forget to participate in the many activities including "Pin the Heart on the Grinch"; Scavenger Hunt; and a corn hole toss to win prizes! It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the holiday spirit with the community.

On November 20, we’ll light the towering central tree, valued at $10,000, followed by 27 surrounding trees, each valued at $2,500, creating a stunning display of holiday spirit and community support. Show your support today!

The students' goal is to raise $10,000 in support of the holiday campaign. Their dedication and efforts play a significant role in making Light Up McCormick a success. You can make a donation and help support their efforts.

To learn more about Light Up McCormick, you can visit our website at or contact Michelle Hancock: 519-619-1937; mhancock@mccormickcarefoundation.ca DONATE TODAY!

For many of us, the holidays are a time of warmth, celebration, and togetherness. But for those living with dementia and their caregivers, these moments can often be overshadowed by the challenges they face. That’s why, Light Up McCormick is about more than just holiday decorations—it’s about bringing light and joy into the lives of those who need it most. Your donation will help illuminate 28 trees at the front of McCormick and directly support the highest-priority needs of McCormick Care Group including projects like the Learning and Development Centre, where we’re training the next generation of healthcare professionals in long-term and dementia care.