When businesses like Abbotsford Costco and The Honda Way called Mission Community Services Society to sponsor Festival of Light: Diwali set for Oct. 26, the organizing committee was thrilled to have them as part of a family of 24 sponsors for the annual show.

Costco supplied 1,000 bottles of water and The Honda Way paid for the special ethnic dessert and both will be active at the event.

Also joining the festival as sponsors are Mission Fire Rescue Service (first response team), United Defense Security (security), Ajay Construction and J’s Pizza (1,200 samosas).

Providing more than $1,000 support each were the District of Mission,  Multicultural Unit at the Ministry of International Trade for the BC Government, MCSS, the University of the Fraser Valley (graphics support, cash, dancers) and the Fraser Valley Hindu Cultural Society (food).
Generous contributors include the UFV Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, Mission International Cultural Association (MICA), Mission Association for Community Living, Mission Sunrise Rotary Club, Mission Mid-Day Rotary Club, United Way Fraser Valley, and Mission Literacy in Motion.

MCSS would also like to recognize the support from Mission Early Childhood Development Committee,  Mission2Move Forward (food transporation team), Swing Optical and Mission Library.   A big thank you to the Chilliwack South Asian restaurant (we will name you later) which prepared the food for our Diwali event.

A big thanks to Raman and Saba, our theatre entrance lighting crew with their colourful garlands, bling and 1,200 sparkling lights.  Also to the army of volunteers, many from the local high schools who are coming to make a difference in their community.

Media sponsors are the Punjabi Patrika, Mission Record, and Mission and Abbotsford What’s On Magazines.
Our henna artists this year are Kajal Mankatala, Abi Seeley and Alli Rempel.  Our photographer is Violet Biggs Photography.

Adding to the entertainment, in addition to the Clarke Theatre crew with the support of Bronwen Sutherland, are Norden the Magician,  Abbotsford Academy of Dance, Dasmesh Punjabi School, Mexico en la Piel Cultural Society, Ukrainian Club of Abbotsford, Fraser Valley Irish Dance Association and emcees Satti Grewal and Abbotsford Coun. Kelly Chahal.

Serving on this year’s Festival of Light committee are Rick Rake, Pam Alexis, Sanjay Gulati, Satti Grewal, and Laura Wilson. 

This event is scheduled to be part of the District of Mission’s 125th celebration (Canada’s 150th) and will be so branded.  If you wish to support Festival of Light: Diwali in 2017, please contact Rake at [email protected] or phone 604-826-3634.