Every year Des and Cathy Staggs make it their mission to bring smiles to many faces, human and pets alike.
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The couple’s Christmas light display helps raise money for Shoalhaven Animal Welfare League (AWL)
This year the pair will be amping up their impressive light display and fundraising, after Des was diagnosed recently with Motor Neurone Disease.
“I want to make sure it’s extra great this year,” Des said.
On Friday, December 15 the couple will host a sausage sizzle at their 71 Cammaray Drive, St Georges Basin home in an effort to raise more dollars for the local animal charity.
The barbecue will fire up from 7pm and everyone is welcome to enjoy a snag and some Christmas joy.
The couple has been decking out their home with Christmas lights for at least nine years.
They raise around $800 for AWL every year.
They began getting their lights ready in October and will even pull out the Santa costumes to transform into Mr and Mrs Clause for the evening.
“The expression that the children get on their face seeing Santa and all the lights – it’s just beautiful."
- Des Staggs
Des has been collecting lights and decorations for many years and has picked up many bargains along the way at garage sales.
While it takes many hours and dollars to bring the creation together, Des said it’s all worth it.
“The expression that the children get on their face seeing Santa and all the lights – it’s just beautiful,” he said.
“It brings us so much joy too.”
The Christmas light display has become a tradition for many families.
“We have one little girl who’s been coming since she was a baby and now she’s seven and still comes every year,” Des said.
The display features a life sized sleigh and parents are encouraged to snap a pic of their little ones enjoying the magic.
Passionate animal lovers, Des and Cathy are hoping to raise $1000 for AWL but said there’s no pressure to make a donation. The lights are there to be enjoyed by all.
An AWL representative will also be on hand on Friday night to explain what the organisation does and answer any questions people may have about becoming a foster carer or animals currently in need of a home.