By James Peters

Gift of Lights

New app helps B.C. residents find Christmas light displays, supports Salvation Army

Dec 24, 2023 | 9:00 AM

QUESNEL, B.C. — A Quesnel man has developed a new way to help B.C. residents enjoy the holiday season while supporting those in need.

Walter Mills is the driving force behind the Gift of Lights smartphone app. The app shares users’ favourite Christmas light displays on a map, making the displays much easier to find and view.

“While they’re on the app, they can either view different other light displays in the area,” said Mills. “There are pins on the map that will show them where each individual light display is. They can pick their favourites or their likes.”

While the most elaborate displays were often aggregated in community newspapers, Mills notes the app makes the list of displays more accessible — especially with some communities losing their newspapers.

“Now with the app technology, it has allowed us to build an app that now allows people to access Christmas light displays from the palm of their hand,” he said.

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The app has been developed in partnership with the Salvation Army. While it is free to download, users have the option of donating to the charity’s community food programs.

“If people feel they would like to give toward the food support (programs), that’s totally up to their choice,” added Mills. “[The app is] basically a gift to everybody to allow them an easier access to view Christmas lights instead of having to know where they are or ask other people where they are.”

If the Gift of Lights app is successful this year, Mills is looking to carry it forward for Halloween displays.

Users can learn more about the app by using the QR code displayed below.