Thanks for lighting up many lives
For 16 years, thousands would gather at 52 Forum Way, Bunbury to witness the spectacular Christmas light display on Pat and David Black’s home and give generously to their collection for the Cancer Council.
Christmas 2016 was the last hurrah and last week Mr and Mrs Black were recognised for their years of hard work when the Capel Lions Club presented the couple with a community service award for raising a total of $127,320.35 for the charity.
Each year the Blacks would use 250kg of lollies to make up 10,000 lolly bags for visiting children – an effort made possible by a $1000 donation each year from the Leschenault Lions Club and later the Capel Lions Club.
Capel Lions Club secretary Margaret Davies said the award was only the second of its kind presented by the club.
“We wanted them to have this community award to say thank you for all the years they put in on behalf of the community and all the people from far and wide who came to see the lights,” she said.
“It is also to recognise the work, time and money they put into this project.”
Mrs Black said they could not have done it without support from the Lions clubs, as well as the Bunbury Bowling Club and many individuals who helped.
“This award really belongs to the people of Bunbury who generously supported us,” she said.
Mrs Black said they originally began putting up the lights for their grandchildren, but added a little more each year until “it became bigger than Ben-Hur”.
She said she was excited to view other light displays this year.
“It was my decision to stop, David would still keep going – I won’t miss it, but David does,” she said.
“I’ve already sold most of the lights.”
Mr Black said he appreciated the recognition from the Lions Club and it would be a “sad” year for him “because I loved doing it.”
“Every year had beautiful memories and we had a good time seeing the enjoyment the kids and the oldies got out of it,” he said.
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