CHRISTMAS time is associated with giving and usually young children are on the receiving end of gifts. But not last year when eight-year-old Jindabyne resident Ryan Rowson decided he would donate his yearly savings to a good cause, John McLoughlin’s annual Christmas lights fundraiser.

Ryan had saved $500 during the year in gold coins, and before Santa arrived, he made good his pledge from earlier in 2020 and donated a jar full of gold coins.

Young Ryan has been helping John with his lights for many years, plus also attended the Snowy Mountains Care and Early Learning Centre in his younger days, so he was well aware of the good that John McLoughlin does each year with the lights.

John has been entertaining residents and visitors with his Christmas lights for 30 years, and each year the show gets bigger and better, plus the money raised has increased.

Ryan said he “put up a couple of lights” this year with John and his favourite light was the new big kangaroo.

When asked about the jar of money he donated, he said, “It is just like out of our loose change box and all that.”

This money along with generous support of local businesses, residents, plus visitors helped John raise an impressive sum of $5477.60. The cheque was presented to the centre in early January.

When asked about Ryan’s donation, John McLoughlin said, “It was amazing”. 

“I was blown away when he came down here and told me his was giving me $500. But for a child of eight, even though we have been mates for a long time, to do this is unbelievable. He went to the day care centre. It is from the day care centre we became mates. His little days in the day care centre, he would come across and help me and he still does.”

While the lights are a tradition now and a strong passion for John, he prides himself on the money he raises, all of which goes directly to the centre.

Considering he also supplies beverages to some of the visitors, he himself would be out of pocket. But that is never one of his concerns.

In November he attended the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce event, Jindabyne Connect, where he spoke of resilience within the town and region over the difficult 2020 year.

President of the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce, Olivier Kapetanakos said, “part of the Chambers activities is to deliver business focused workshops, helping local business build awareness with subjects ranging from marketing, social media knowledge, building business plans and financials”.

“During this incredible year, the chamber sought and won small grants from local and state government to help deliver these workshops. For one grant, the topic of note was Resilience and our Executive wanted to deliver a benefit with a twist,” said Olivier.

“John Mcloughlin was invited to give the attendees at the November Business Connect a keynote talk on Resilience. John spoke to his experience as long term resident of Jindabyne and how and why he organises his house as a ‘light up’ Christmas decoration to raise money for his local charity. His efforts are legendary and even in this COVID year has brought cheer and hope too so many. John’s speaking fee went towards his local charity.”

Responding to the amount donated by chamber, John said, “the money from the Chamber of Commerce was excellent”.

“It was really a joy that the Chamber of Commerce have taken an interest in what I am doing here. Because this year, I can tell you, of all the years I have been doing it, I have had more visitors from out of town than any year in the past. So, it is good for the town as well.”

Many businesses contribute and the Banjo Paterson Inn’s Cameron McKid is a strong advocate of the lights and John’s effort. The Banjo often take a detour when driving their guests’ home in the courtesy bus, plus make a contribution themselves.

“It’s a great display, it brings great joy to kids and everyone and money goes to a good cause,” said Cameron.

“It always a yearly tradition that everyone wants to come around and have a look at the lights on their way home. It’s a good time of the year.”

Of the total money raised, John said, “It was fantastic”.

“It surprised me, a lot more people than I thought were around. It really made it worthwhile to do it. As you can see, the end result is huge for the childcare centre.”

“This is thirty years this year. There are a few left in me yet, I don’t know how many but a few.”

“Yes, I had a bit of help yes. I had Ryan Rowson here with me and of course my son-in-laws came and the only light they put up fell back down again. So, I actually soldiered on myself and finished up with a flawless display.”

As he does every year, there are new lights already on order, with John indicating, “I can tell you now, there are seven parcels already in the mail.”

The centre is always appreciative of the donation and Jackie Jackson said it was absolutely amazing.

“We were not expecting that at all, and I think given the current conditions with COVID, we thought that it might limit visitors.  So, we are super proud and grateful,” said Jackie.

“We are looking at putting in a horizontal climbing wall for the children, so we would like to put it towards that.”

Jackie also noted that this will be the last year she accepts the funds on behalf of the centre, as she is leaving after 13 years, the last five years as Director.

“It is a double-edged sword in that way. I feel a strong connection to the Jindabyne community and families. But I also think it is healthy to have a change and let someone into the helm. To keep the place growing. We have some amazing people here,” said Jackie.

“The committee are in the process of organising a replacement.”

The centre has a casual staff of 38 who look after 56 children daily including before and after school care as well and vocation care and the centre is a vital link in community support for families.