At the Parksville–Qualicum Community Foundation, we believe strong communities are built through connection, creativity, and care for one another. A recent Neighbourhood Small Grant (NSG) project in Hermitage Park demonstrates how small acts of community leadership can create meaningful, lasting impact.
With support from NSG, residents of Hermitage Park launched what they hope will become a new neighbourhood tradition — a Christmas Eve Luminary Walk. The project brought neighbours together in a simple and magical way, inviting residents to participate in lighting their streets and pathways with luminaries on Christmas Eve.
Through the grant, 120 luminary kits were assembled and distributed throughout the neighbourhood. Once the kits were delivered, excitement quickly grew. A newly created neighbourhood Facebook group became a hub of enthusiasm, as neighbours shared messages, photos, and plans for the evening.
On Christmas Eve, Hermitage Park was transformed. Residents placed LED tea lights in paper luminary bags outside their homes, creating softly glowing paths throughout the neighbourhood. The luminaries were set out at 5:00 pm and remained on display until 10:00 pm, allowing families and visitors ample time to enjoy the experience.
Families bundled up for evening walks through the neighbourhood, and a few visitors from outside Hermitage Park even drove through to take in the glowing streets. Every road was lined with warm light, illuminating walkways and creating a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere that reflected the strength of community connection.
The grant provided four luminary bags per household, with additional bags and LED tealights added by the organizers to help fill in gaps and ensure the neighbourhood felt complete. The result was a striking display that brought neighbours together and sparked conversations about continuing the tradition in future years.
Projects like this reflect the heart of the Neighbourhood Small Grants program — empowering residents to build community in ways that feel authentic, inclusive, and locally driven. PQCF is grateful to the Hermitage Park residents who brought this idea to life and shared the holiday spirit with their neighbours.
About Neighbourhood Small Grants
The Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program supports local residents to build stronger connections and foster a sense of belonging where they live. NSG is grounded in a simple but powerful idea: when people feel connected to their neighbourhood, they are more likely to take part in activities that strengthen their community.
Neighbourhood Small Grants offer up to $500 for resident-led projects that bring people together socially, encourage skill-sharing, and build local capacity. These small investments often lead to big outcomes — new relationships, shared experiences, and lasting neighbourhood traditions.
If you have an idea that could help bring your neighbourhood together, we encourage you to apply for a Neighbourhood Small Grant.
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