The Light of Yalda

On the eve of the winter solstice, the Canadian Friends of Sufi Arts, Culture and Knowledge (CFSACK) invites you to The Light of Yalda, a fundraising evening inspired by the Persian celebration of the year's longest night. For centuries, Yalda has brought family and friends together through poetry, storytelling, and shared food. This December, these traditions will take on a contemporary form at The Polygon Gallery, overlooking Vancouver's waterfront. Developed in collaboration with Toronto-based creative studio Aish Works, the evening will feature a three-course seated dinner and an immersive artistic experience exploring the relationship between food, poetry, ritual, and cultural memory.

At the heart of the evening is a contemporary interpretation of Fāl-e Hāfez, the Persian tradition of seeking reflection and meaning through Hāfez's poetry. Guests will be invited to participate in an interactive experience and receive a personalized keepsake of the evening. The gathering takes inspiration from the poetry of Saadi as well, who wrote:

The true dawn does not break until the night of Yalda has passed.

Net proceeds from The Light of Yalda will support CFSACK's charitable programs, advancing the study, preservation, and public appreciation of Sufi arts, culture, and knowledge.

Dress Code: Formal | Black Tie Optional

Supporting CFSACK

The Canadian Friends of Sufi Arts, Culture and Knowledge (CFSACK) is a Canadian registered charity dedicated to advancing public understanding and appreciation of Sufi artistic, cultural, and intellectual heritage.

Through its Research Awards, CFSACK funds emerging scholars undertaking projects related to Sufi arts, culture, and knowledge. Its public programs bring together artists, scholars, and audiences, while its institutional collaborations, including with the Musée d’Art et de Culture Soufis MTO in France, support the preservation and presentation of this cultural heritage.

Your participation in The Light of Yalda helps sustain these initiatives and reach new audiences.

Tickets

General Admission | $495 

• Admission for one guest, including the seated dinner and artistic experience 

  Official charitable donation receipt: $295

Young Guest Admission | $395

• Admission for one guest aged 35 or under, including the full evening experience 

  Official charitable donation receipt: $195

Seating is limited. Advance registration is required.

Patron Opportunities

We invite those wishing to provide additional support to consider one of the following patron categories.

Gold Patron | $11,000

• Six reserved seats, including the full evening experience, with special recognition during the evening and acknowledgment in the event program, or arrange admission for a particular number of guests; we would be pleased to discuss individual patron arrangements.

  Official charitable donation receipt: $9,800

  
  

Silver Patron | $5,500

• Four reserved seats, including the full evening experience, with recognition during the evening and acknowledgment in the event program.

  Official charitable donation receipt: $4,700

  
  

Patron | $1,100

• One reserved seat, including the full evening experience, with acknowledgment in the event program.

  Official charitable donation receipt: $900

Custom Patron Arrangements

For supporters who would like to make a different contribution or arrange admission for a particular number of guests, we would be pleased to discuss individual patron arrangements.

Please contact info@cfsack.org to discuss available options.

Tickets may be purchased online using the registration form below. For payment by cheque or direct deposit, please select the offline payment option at checkout or contact us at info@cfsack.org or 778-872-0255 for instructions.

All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Guests are kindly requested to present their tickets upon arrival, either digitally or in print. If you cannot attend or need assistance with your reservation, please contact us as soon as possible.

Charitable Donation Receipts

CFSACK is a Canadian registered charity (Charitable Registration No. 753769702 RR0001). Official charitable donation receipts will be issued for the eligible portion of ticket purchases and patron contributions, in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency requirements. The fair market value of event benefits is $200 per guest. This amount is deducted for each admission included in a purchase to determine the eligible charitable donation amount. Receipts will be issued following the event. If you require your receipt earlier, please contact info@cfsack.org.

For customized patron arrangements, we will determine the eligible charitable donation amount based on the number of admissions and any additional benefits provided.