In a previous story the Lismore App mentioned the dire predicament of the Lismore Lantern Parade. So dire in fact that if CEO & Creative Director Jyllie Jackson and her team cannot raise $40,000 it will spell the end of the Lismore Lantern Parade after 25 glorious years entertaining and delighting us in the CBD for the winter solstice.

This week the company behind the Lismore Lantern Parade LightnUp received a very generous $1000 donation from Nick Jones and Richard Creed from the Lismore Vet Clinic to the 'Save the Lanterns Crowd Fundraiser'.

Nick said "our family has been going to the Lantern Parade for many years, watching in the street and always loved it."

In the past few years Nick and Richard commissioned LightnUp to create some lanterns to carry in the parade, enter Doug the Dog and then Vinnie the Cat creating a whole new experience.

(Doug the Dog with Mara and Cora. Photo: Lisa G)

"There were so many people. To walk through our town, and feel the warmth and joy of our community, and see the wonder in the faces of the children, (it was) a truely magical and very emotional experience. We are very proud to support the Lantern Parade, it does something very special for our city.” 

Jyllie told the Lismore App the donation total now stands at just over $5000 which she is very grateful for. The harsh reality is that amount is one eighth of what is need to keep the Lantern parade alive, more help is needed.

Nick Jones offered a challenge to all businesses by saying "we were delighted to put out the challenge to the Lismore Business community to match our donation or better it to keep the lanterns shining beyond this dreadful pandemic."

Jyllie and the team will be at the Lismore Farmers Markets this morning and the Car Boot Markets on Sunday collecting donations.

You can also contribute to the 'Save the Lanterns Fundraiser' by going to this website https://www.givenow.com.au/lightnup-lanterns-sos or if on-line donations is not your thing you can donate directly through the Summerland Credit Union, BSB 728728, Account Number 2229 1137, name LightnUp Inc using your name as the reference.

Why $40,000?

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the cancellation of all large crowd events which is exactly how LightnUp earns all of its income.

"Lake Evella in North East Arnheim Land then Dubbo and Floriade in Canberra were all cancelled along with many other annual events," Jyllie said.

"We have to pay the mortgage, some wages and running costs and $40,000 will keep us alive until March, 2021 where we are hoping that the COVID restrictions will lift."

"I understand that so many other businesses are doing it tough but the Lismore Lantern Parade offers the community so much each year, it would be a shame to lose it."