Patient-led Parkinson’s advocacy organisation, PD Avengers, is calling for the Parkinson’s community to sign up to its 2025 World Parkinson’s Day campaign. As part of the organisation’s aim of ending Parkinson’s, the Spark the Night campaign is designed to raise awareness of the condition around the globe.
The worldwide campaign will see government buildings and landmarks across the globe lit up in blue in solidarity for World Parkinson’s Day. To make 2025’s efforts brighter than ever, help is required from “country lead” volunteers.
Spark the Night country leads
Building on the success of previous years, this year’s Spark the Night campaign hopes to light up more than 650 buildings (twice last year’s achievement) in blue around the world. PD Avengers is calling for volunteers to lead the campaign in specific countries.
The voluntary roles include tracking building and landmark requests, and co-ordinating communications within your country. PD Avengers’ President Larry Gifford has invited all who are interested in emailing him at [email protected].
“The night often amplifies the isolation, anxiety, and loneliness felt by those living with Parkinson’s,” he says. “‘Spark the Night’ is our way of turning that darkness into light – lighting the world with hope and solidarity for the people affected by this disease.”
Individual volunteers
A new initiative is also being launched this year, to complement the Spark the Night campaign. The Sparklets project invites individuals from the Parkinson’s community to light up a personal space – such as a home, office or doorway – with blue lights to mark the occasion. Those taking part can take a photo of their lights, and upload it to a special link.
It is hoped 1,000 spaces will be lit up for World Parkinson’s Day on 11 April, in support of the 11.8 million people affected worldwide. Join the Sparklets movement here.
The organisation is also marking World Parkinson’s Day by challenging the Parkinson’s community to complete two million sit-to-stands in 24 hours. www.standuptoParkinsons.com
“We will also be accepting videos in advance of World Parkinson’s Day for our 24-hour live stream,” Larry adds.
