Lighting up lives at Christmas
The world could do with more people like Angela and Bill Thompson who spend their time fundraising and giving to those who are less fortunate or going through hard times.
Since moving to Te Aroha a few years ago, the Thompsons have jumped on board with a number of different fundraising ventures including a Pink Breakfast event at the Te Aroha RSA to raise money for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.
Their signature fundraising event, the annual Christmas Lights Fundraising extravaganza at 109c Centennial Avenue in Te Aroha opens on December 2 at 7pm to the sounds of music and song from Zara Buckton, Janice and Ian Colhoun, John Howlett and his ukulele group, the Mookuleles.
Rain, hail or shine the opening will still take place so dress warm and take your brollies, fold up chair and rug, although the Thompsons have up to 40 chairs available.
This year’s donated funds will be going to Baby Loss Awareness, and Noonan Syndrome research in remembrance of baby Isabella Dowd.
Last year, the Thompsons, through donations raised $800, as well as $200 in Te Aroha dollars, which they won for their float entry, a depiction of the Cinderella story at the Te Aroha Santa Parade last year, were able to help two families with unwell children - the Kelseys and the Higgins families.
They were able to give $500 to each family as well as a grocery parcel and small gift before Christmas.
Angela said they are still hoping to do the Live Nativity this year, but still need two or three sheep/lambs to make it possible.
Anyone who might be able to help with this can contact Angela on 021 182 1384.
The Christmas Lights will then be open every night until January 6 from 8.30pm to approximately 10pm.
Please drive down the drive and park in the car park and feel free to walk in the gardens.
This year, new displays have been added, so if you think you have seen it before, be prepared to be blown away.
‘‘Thank you all and Bill and I look forward to your support,’’ Angela said.
‘‘We take nothing from this so please give generously as we really want to add another deserving cause to the two already mentioned.’’