After 30 years of turning his basement into “Christmasland,” Don Moore figures it’s time to pull the plug on the ornate display.
For the past seven of those years, Moore has invited the public into his Saanich home to take in his handiwork — in exchange for a donation to a designated charity. For the grand finale of his charity efforts, Moore has chosen the Times Colonist Christmas Fund and the Mustard Seed food bank to receive the donations he collects.
The combination is a perfect fit for this year’s Christmas Fund, which happens to be running in concert with the Mustard Seed and the Salvation Army. The approach is intended to provide support to the maximum number of people in need this Christmas season.
Moore said he begins the complex process of setting up his multi-room creation in the last week of September.
“Getting things out of boxes, changing batteries and everything,” he said.
“I changed probably about 120 batteries this year.”
Power is needed for such elements as a couple of miniature villages, an Elvis town and a huge singing Santa with an extensive repertoire. Moore said people love the little touches in the village scenes, like a child making snow angels.
The public tours have gone very well, he said.
“The best year was about three years ago. We had 450 people come through here.”
The decorating tradition began to take shape after his second son was born, Moore said.
“He’s visually impaired, but he loved the lights. He responded to the lights.”
Moore said the Times Colonist Christmas Fund is a worthy choice for this year’s charity, and noted it has been going since 1956.
“The TC Christmas Fund has been a great thing to raise money for.”
Moore said donations of non-perishable food for the Mustard Seed will also be collected.
Members of the public are invited to the Moore’s official light-up event at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. After that, public tours will be held 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 20, and 1-4 p.m. on Dec. 14 and 21. The Moore home is at 4000 Century Rd.
Your help is needed:
It's quick and easy to donate online. Just go to:
timescolonist.com/christmasfund
By phone: 250-995-4438
By mail or in person:
2621 Douglas St., Victoria, B.C.
V8T 4M2
Make cheques payable to "Times Colonist Christmas Fund"
