A new light installation is bringing joy to kids stuck in the hospital this holiday season, and will continue to lift spirits all year long.
Steve Hudson, sales manager of Lights Unlimited, felt a need to brighten the entrance of the HSC Children’s Hospital, and on Thursday, he and his team did exactly that.
“Seeing kids who were initially shy smile when I show them the lights is so special,” said Hudson to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.
Hudson himself spent countless hours in the hospital as a youth, dealing with respiratory issues, so he knows all too well how it feels to be stuck inside a hospital.
His daughter also spent time in the NICU, giving him another reason to spend extended time in the hospital.
All of these experiences ignited his passion to bring joy to the kids and families who spend time in the hospital throughout the year.
Hudson asked Mike Friesen, the owner of Lights Unlimited, if his team could donate their time to do the installation. Mike was immediately on board.
On Thursday, the team installed colour-changing LED track lighting on the awning of the entrance at HSC Children’s Hospital, making it the first Children’s Hospital in Canada to get this customizable lighting.
The hope is to change the lights to commemorate holidays and special events, such as kids’ birthdays, giving them the chance to pick their favourite colour or the colours of their favourite sports team.
“Lights have such a power to bring joy to kids, and there’s no better place to bring joy than a children’s hospital, even if the kids are only outside to look for a few seconds,” said Hudson. “If we can make even just one kid smile on a day that has been tough in hospital, that means I know I’ve done my job.”
The lights can be found at the entrance located at 840 Sherbrook Street.
