Operation Life Bright

In 2022 we started Operation Life Bright with the goal to gift well-deserving people with permanent lights. Our criteria are people who have either endured hardship, who are making a difference in our Community or who are just darn-right inspiring! Nominations are accepted on an on-going basis, feel free to contact Susan to nominate someone or for more information.

2022 - Chris & Melissa Strike

Chris and Melissa Strike are the first recipients of Operation Life Bright. They are proud parents of 7 children, two biological children, four adopted, and one long-term foster child. Melissa and Chris started fostering 17 years ago. Fostering was something they always wanted to do. In addition to fostering children, Melissa and Chris have been very involved supporting and mentoring other foster parents while spreading the message of the need for foster and adoptive parents in the Edmonton area. Two years ago, Melissa became involved in a new non-profit called, Edmonton Safe Families. This organization surrounds families in crisis with an extended family like community support system with the goal to walk families through crisis so their kids do not end up in foster care. iStar Lights is thrilled to light up the Strike’s home and in a small way honour the huge way they brighten the lives of others and make a difference!

2023 - Sail House (Erik, Kalen, Alex, and Sierra)

Sail House is a duplex in St.Albert occupied by four young adults with disabilities. Erik a great dancer and Blue Jays fan, Kalen who is passionate about rock music, Sierra who loves all thing girlie and Alex who clearly loves purple were all friends in high school. They are thrilled to be living together!  Erik's grandmas, Alice and Carol saw a gap in services and resources for families who wanted to guide and support their young people with disabilities in a move to independence. They began fundraising to purchase a ½ duplex in Erin Ridge suitable for a group home. Their goal was to raise enough for a down payment so the rent would be reasonable for four young adults with disabilities who receive AISH funding. Businesses, families, individuals and churches came forward to donate household items, which allowed them convert the garage to  a games room housed in the garage, complete with a ping pong table, basketball and Wii games. Carol and Alice have formed a non-profit organization named SAIL Home (St. Albert Assisted Independent Living) which is now an organization offering resources for people with disabilities and their families, to guide and support their move toward independence. iStar Lights is privileged to add more light to an already bright home!