Friday September 25, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
WELCOME TO ILLUMINIGHT
Shine a light on cancer care across the region.
Illuminight 2026 Ambassador, Leea Fortune
Join us for an evening of family-friendly fun that brings our community together to honour loved ones and friends while supporting world-class cancer care and research at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre (JHCC).
As pathways sparkle and lights glow in the village square, every step you take helps to ensure patients and families receive the expert care they need, when it matters most.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Westfield Heritage Village, 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton
Due to overwhelming support from participants year after year, we’ve changed venues to accommodate it. We are thrilled to present Westfield Heritage Village as the new home of Illuminight. We hope you enjoy its scenic beauty, old-town charm, and unrivalled beauty.
Join the Fun at Illuminight
Illuminight, presented by CIBC Wood Gundy, is a relaxing nighttime walk through the forested landscape of Westfield Heritage Village - featuring delicious food, kids’ activities, a 2.7 km walk (approx. 45 minutes), immersive light installations in the village centre (as opposed to on the trails as in years past), and live music. Culminating with the return of the much-anticipated drone show finale. Whether you’re walking in honour of a loved one, supporting a friend’s journey or simply showing up for your community, your presence helps strengthen hope for patients and families across south-central Ontario and beyond.
When you fundraise, you are supporting the highest-priority needs in cancer care, including equipment, research, education, and patient amenities.
LOOKING TO ACCESS THE PARTICIPATION CENTRE?
CLICK HEREABOUT THE EVENT
Illuminight rallies communities across the region to raise awareness and funds in support of Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre. As the night unfolds, participants are invited to take part in a series of meaningful and memorable experiences, like:
• A heartfelt nighttime walk along a scenic trail, uniting more than 700 participants in a shared purpose
• A glowing village experience filled with illuminated installations, including the return of the Tribute Bridge (formerly Tribute Brook) - a space for reflection and tribute
• A breathtaking drone show finale that lights up the night sky in celebration of strength, resilience, and hope
• Comfort food, live music and autumn-inspired activities that bring warmth and joy to participants of all ages
Since 2018, Illuminight has raised more than $1 million in support of Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre.
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
Get involved in Illuminight and support exceptional cancer care in our region.
Experience the event
• Walk a peaceful 2.7 km forest trail with immersive light installations.
• Enjoy food, live music, and all-ages activities.
• Watch the drone show finale.
Take part your way:
• Join or start a team
• Register as an individual
• Come solo or with others
REGISTERYour registration supports advanced cancer care and research.
Donate
Unable to attend, or want to support someone who is participating? You can still make a meaningful impact:
• Make a direct gift to support cancer care and research at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre.
• Help fund lifesaving equipment, patient care, and innovative research.
• Support patients and families in your community.
DONATE
Volunteer
Volunteers are essential to Illuminight and help bring the event to life:
• Assist with registration and welcome participants.
• Support route marshalling along the walk.
• Help run activity stations and guest experiences.
• Join a passionate, community-driven team.
Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age, and volunteers aged 14-17 must be accompanied by or paired with a parent/guardian-approved volunteer aged 18 or older.
VOLUNTEERTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Our sponsors are an important driving force behind our mission. By supporting Illuminight, they showcase their enduring commitment to enhancing cancer care for patients and families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. For that, and so much more we say, “thank you!”
Presenting sponsor
SEE THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
When you participate in Illuminight, you’re investing in the highest-priority needs at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre - helping ensure patients can access advanced diagnostics, innovative treatments, and compassionate support. Behind every dollar raised is a story. A patient whose treatment was made possible. A family who felt supported during a difficult diagnosis. A breakthrough in research that offers new options and strengthens hope.
Patient Care in Action
Thousands of patients come to Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre each year. Your support helps equip care teams with the tools and technology they need to deliver advanced cancer care.
Advancing Research and Innovation
JHCC is home to an active clinical trials program exploring new cancer treatments and therapies. Funds raised help move this work forward so more patients can benefit.
Comfort, Dignity and Support
From enhanced treatment spaces to thoughtful patient amenities, your generosity helps create care environments that support comfort, dignity, and healing.
A Community United
Illuminight brings together participants, donors, volunteers, and sponsors from Hamilton, Brant, Haldimand, Niagara, Burlington, and beyond. Together, they remind patients and families they are not alone.
Your registration supports advanced cancer care and research.
AMBASSADOR STORY
Meet our Illuminight Ambassador, Leea Fortune
Each year, Illuminight shines a light on the powerful stories of patients and families who have received care at JHCC. Our 2026 Illuminight Ambassador Leea reminds us why this event matters so deeply - and how your support makes a difference when it is needed most.
Teacher, mom, coach and connector, Leea has always been the kind of person who shows up for others, even during the hardest moments of her own life. After being diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2020 and later facing a recurrence, she found strength in the compassionate care she received at Juravinski Cancer Centre and in the community around her. Now approaching two years of clean scans, Leea is using her experience to support and connect with others navigating cancer through advocacy, fundraising and storytelling. As the 2026 Illuminight ambassador and the event’s top fundraiser for the past two years, she is helping shine a light on cancer for patients, survivors and families across our region.
FUNDRAISING & PRIZES
Fundraising gets even better with prizes and friendly competition. 2026 prizing details will be announced soon, including recognition for top individual fundraisers and top fundraising teams. Don’t miss your chance to earn great prizes and join us at Westfield Heritage Village.
New for 2026: any team or individual that raises $1,000 or more will receive a special prize. Stay tuned for details.
LEARN MORETo qualify: Donations must be received in person by Wednesday, September 23, at 4:00 p.m., or online by Wednesday, September 23 at 11:59 p.m. Each participant is eligible to win one prize. Prizes must be claimed by Friday, October 9.
EVENT DAY INFORMATION
We can’t wait to welcome you to our new location, Westfield Heritage Village, for an unforgettable evening of light, love and community. Here’s what you need to know to plan your Illuminight experience.
Location
Westfield Heritage Site (1049 Kirkwall Rd, Rockton, ON)
Free parking is available on site.
What to Expect
• A serene 2.7 km (approximately 45 minutes) walk along a beautiful trail
• Illuminated displays and glowing surprises await you in the village centre after the walk
• Comforting fall food and beverages
• Live music performances and autumn-inspired activities like pumpkin carving
• A spectacular drone show finale that lights up the night sky
The route is welcoming for all ages and abilities. For those who do not wish to walk there will be a tractor ride available.
Registration
On-site registration is available the day of the event and online registration closes at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 24.
Weather & What to Bring
Illuminight will proceed rain or shine, with safety as our top priority. We recommend dressing for the weather, bringing a flashlight or headlamp to help light your way and wearing appropriate walking shoes as some paths may be uneven and potentially muddy.
Event Waiver
All Illuminight attendees agree to the event waiver through their online registration. The waiver is a standard requirement for participation and helps us create a safe, secure environment for everyone
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have questions about registration, fundraising or event logistics? You’ll find helpful answers in our Frequently Asked Questions section.
The event is wheelchair and mobility-aid accessible, with activities and a trail walk planned for a variety of abilities. While the trail is mostly accessible, there may be a short portion that is uneven or bumpy. Participation in the trail walk is entirely at each participant’s discretion. For those who prefer not to walk the trail, a tractor ride will be available and will circle the picturesque village.
Rain or shine, we want everyone to have a great time, so please dress for the weather and enjoy a night to remember.
Of course! There’s delicious food, activities for kids of all ages, a serene 2.7 km walk, immersive light installations in the village centre, and live music. Culminating with the return of the much-anticipated drone show finale.
Your furry friends are more than welcome. We simply request they be leashed at all times.
Westfield Heritage Village is located at: 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton. Follow the signs to the entrance. There is plenty of free parking available. Please follow the directions from our parking volunteers upon arrival.
Yes, there is a registration fee to participate in this event for anyone 6 and up.
CONTACT OUR TEAM
We’re here to help make your Illuminight experience a success - from registration and fundraising to sponsorship and volunteering.
For event and participant questions:
Carrie Mahuran: mahuran@hhsc.ca
Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation
1 King St. West, Suite 702, Hamilton, ON L8P 1A4
Mailing: Box 739, LCD 1, Hamilton, ON L8N 3M8