Volvo’s 5th annual Holiday Lights event raises funds for charity
The event showcases heavy equipment decked out for the holidays and visitors can vote for their favourites
Volvo Construction Equipment is preparing for its fifth annual Holiday Lights event, a fun and festive way for local community members to see festive displays of lighted machines and inflatable holiday characters, and for Volvo fans everywhere to support non-profit organizations. The free event is open to the public Friday, December 6, through Monday, December 9, from 6-8 p.m. each night.
"This event is an amazing opportunity to bring our community and employees together to celebrate the holiday season," says Keegan Fonder, people and culture business consultant at Volvo CE. "When you think of Shippensburg, you think of community, and being able to give back to our community with the help of our employees is extremely special."
Each colourful display is created by Volvo employee teams who select a nonprofit to support. Visitors and the general public can vote online for their favourites, which will help determine the amount each organization receives. This year, a portion of the donations will help those impacted by Hurricane Helene in the Asheville, North Carolina, area, where Volvo CE used to be based and still has many employees.
Organizations that will benefit include:
- Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry
- Community CARES Family Shelter
- Drew Michael Taylor Foundation
- Keystone Human Services
- Punk Rock Saves Lives
- She's Somebody's Daughter
- Shriners Children's Hospital
- Speranza Animal Rescue
Voting will be open December 6-9 on the Volvo Construction Equipment North America Facebook page. While Volvo will make a monetary contribution to each organization, the display with the most votes will receive the largest donation.
Volvo Holiday Lights started in 2020 to lift spirits during the pandemic and has become a regional tradition. Last year, more than 4,000 vehicles cruised through the company's campus to see the decorated equipment and enjoy seasonal sounds from the Shippensburg Area High School band and nightly stops by Santa and Mrs. Claus.