‘A beautiful moment’: Le Phare annual holiday parade
Posted December 19, 2022 5:40 pm.
Last Updated December 19, 2022 6:46 pm.
Lights and sirens filled the street in front of Le Phare, a Montreal pediatric palliative care resource dedicated to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
The “Bright Lights Bright Eyes” campaign sharing some holiday magic Monday morning.
“This is just a beautiful moment,” said Ariane Parent-Lemay, director of nursing, Le Phare. “To have that Christmas spirit and to feel that something extra being done for them as well.”
Thanks to a Montreal police cadet’s big heart – Marco Cerroni – the initiative began 3 years ago when he decided to organize a parade for a former patient at Le Phare who dreamt of becoming a police officer.
A salute to the child, as it was his last Christmas.
“You get a warm feeling when you get to help out other people,” said Cerroni. “It just also shows to all the citizens in Montreal that the first responders are always here for them, it doesn’t have to be a 911 call.”
Marco Cerroni, SPVM cadet, handing Santa a gift for the children at Montreal’s Le Phare on Monday, Dec. 19th, 2022. (Credit: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)
Many filled with emotion as members from the Montreal police, fire firefighters, Urgence Sante, officers from Ottawa, and more came together at Le Phare – also known as “The Lighthouse” in English.
Including a special guest appearance from Santa himself.
“It’s really important,” said Parent-Lemay. “It’s really a special time for us.”
Le Phare Holiday Parade on Dec. 19th, 2022. (Credit: Pamela Pagano/CityNews)
A few patients outside, the others enjoying the moment through the Le Phare windows.
The organization’s services are free for families in need. One can help too by donating through their website.
Cerroni and the community, happy to continue making this happen every year.
“Everyone has a big smile on their face,” explained Cerroni. “It’s the least that we can do.”
