Ignite Hope Holiday Walk: A New Family Tradition?

I am a fan of starting new family traditions especially around the holidays. I just love the few traditions my family had when I was growing up and I’ve already started a few new ones with my little family as well. I continued the pajamas on Christmas eve tradition my family had but we also have an advent calendar, elves (that are not naughty) and a special meal we make on Christmas eve. Last year we began a new tradition, one with a little more of the true meaning of the season.

Last year, my friend invited me to a walk that her company was participating in benefiting the Phoenix Children’s Hospital called Ignite Hope. My husband and I decided to load the kids up and see what it was all about.  We figured it would be nice to be out in the cool weather (a novelty around here) and spend time with some good friends, what we didn’t expect was that we would be moved to tears that evening and would want to begin a new family tradition.

Ignite Hope holiday candlelight walk benefiting the Phoenix Children’s Hospital is a short walk spanning 1.7 miles starting at The Phoenix Plaza in front of the Century Link building (2901 N. Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85012) and making it’s way to The Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Each participant carries an electronic candle  and the children in the hospital all stand by the windows with electronic candles of their own. It is such a moving experience. Once outside of the hospital there are performances and patient stories are shared, then there is a countdown to a Christmas tree lighting. It was so moving singing Christmas carols and just soaking in the hope we were bringing to these children.

If you would like to participate, day-of registration is from 3:30 to 5pm on Saturday December 14th or you can pre-register HERE. There are family activities, Santa photos, snacks and a DJ at the registration site. The cost  is only $20 and $5 for each additional family member. You will receive an event bracelet as well as an electronic candle. They also hold a new toy drive for the patients. For even more event information go HERE.

Photo Credit: Ignite Hope Facebook page

This is only the 2nd annual event and I think it’ll be one that is around for years to come, do you think this is a family tradition you would like to start?

Looking for another way to give back this season? Be sure to save the date for our December play date! The play date will be Thursday, December 12th at the Play Factory @ Desert Ridge. It will be from 9:00am-1:00pm. The West Valley Moms Blog crew will be collecting blankets and open-footed pajamas for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital so come drop off donation items and let the kiddos play for a very discounted rate of $3 per child, any age!

Please note, I was in no way compensated or asked to write this post. We really enjoyed this walk last year and look forward to making it a family tradition.