Safari Lights food and toy donations top last year at Safari Niagara

Safari Niagara’s Safari Lights holiday drive has raised a record amount of food and toys for Fort Erie, with the event running November 21 to December 30 at the Stevensville Road park.

The food drive was held December 4, offering visitors discounted admission in exchange for non-perishable food donations that were collected on site and delivered to Strong Fort Erie Neighbourhoods (SFEN) for distribution to local families.

“We had an outstanding response. We had a full van filled to the ceiling with food,” said Taryn Hipkiss, general manager of Safari Niagara.

Hipkiss told Fort Erie Radio the total exceeded last year’s results. In 2024, donations from Safari Lights helped create 189 food baskets for families through SFEN. Final counts for this year are still being sorted.

“There is a big need in the community with rising costs, and there are often families that are struggling,” said Hipkiss.

Safari Niagara also hosted a holiday toy drive on November 27, offering reduced admission with a new, unwrapped toy or game in partnership with the Stevensville Kinsmen and Kinettes, the Stevensville Fire Association, and the Salvation Army.

Safari Lights began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to offer a safe seasonal activity. It has continued to expand each year, with new features added along the three-kilometre route travelled by vehicle through the park.

The setup begins just after Labour Day, and takes Safari Niagara until mid-November for more than 1 million lights to be installed. Hipkiss called the effort a “labour of love” for the community.

The show features animal-themed light displays, illuminated tunnels and synchronized holiday music broadcast on a dedicated radio frequency for visitors driving through the park.

“Many people say that even after their first tour, it becomes a family tradition for them,” said Hipkiss.

Safari Lights continues most nights until December 30, with closures on December 24 and 25.

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