Photo: Shelley Hunt

On Monday night, the iconic Penticton Peach on the shore of Okanagan Lake got a holiday makeover, with strings of lights and ornaments purchased by the community to fundraise for the Penticton Regional Hospital upgrades. 

About 100 people gathered in the cold and dark to count down to light up. They were greeted by the Grandmothers for Africa South Okanagan choir, and carol lyrics were passed out to the crowd. Shortly after 6:30 p.m., the lights went on.

The fundraiser saw members of the community purchasing ornaments for $25 a piece to hang on the Peach and signing their name on them, with all proceeds going to the hospital foundation. When Doug and Lorraine MacMillan of Canadian Tire Penticton heard, a few days before the light up, that there were still many ornaments unclaimed, they decided to step in for the cause. 

"We had been talking about donating to the hospital for a while," Lorraine said. "We've been living here for 14 years, Penticton is our home."

They don't like the spotlight — they say donating is about doing the right thing, not about accolades — so they stood to the side as their $25,000 donation was announced to a round of applause. 

She said helping out the hospital was an easy decision. 

"My grandchildren were born there, and hopefully I don't ever need to use it," Lorraine said with a chuckle. "It's nice to have a fantastic facility so close, so people don't need to go to Kelowna or Vancouver as often."

The Peach will remain lit up throughout the holiday season. 

Photo: Jasmine Aantjes

Lorraine and Doug MacMillan announced a $25,000 donation at the Light Up the Peach event Monday.