On Saturday, October 24th, at Park Lighting in Edmonton and at its sister company, Cartwright Lighting in Calgary, kicked off a friendly competition. The two family‑managed Alberta businesses vied to see which store could raise more money for their Charity Days event in support of World Renew.

Wearing t‑shirts that read “letting our true light shine,” staff shared that 100 percent of the day’s sales—not just profits or a portion—would be donated to World Renew’s Village Savings and Loan (VSLA) program, helping families around the world build hope and opportunity. Through local savings groups, VSLA members use small loans to grow businesses or invest in their farms. As members repay their loans, the shared fund grows, and opens the door to larger loans and expanded opportunity for even more families. Together, VSLAs create lasting pathways out of poverty.

The Park Lighting and Cartwright Lighting family not only showed their enthusiasm for their Charity Days event that Saturday, but days before the event they encouraged customers to save their purchases for the Saturday, to ensure as much money as possible would be raised for the VSL program.

So who won the friendly competition? Park Lighting sold just under $55,000, and Cartwright Lighting sold just under $31,000. Together, the two stores raised nearly $86,000 in one day to support World Renew’s Village Savings and Loan program, helping families build opportunity and hope.

While the Edmonton team celebrated a successful day, generosity and care from everyone involved created the greatest impact. Light shone throughout the store—not just from the stunning fixtures overhead, but from a shared commitment to meaningful change.

Thank you to Park Lighting and Cartwright Lighting for partnering with World Renew. We’re grateful for their continued commitment to shining a light through their Charity Days events.