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The “Burstow’s Christmas Wonderland” began in 2003 with the dream of creating an event that the whole community could come to and experience the joy and wonder of Christmas. We wanted to create a delightful display of lights and provide supper and free give a-ways for the children.
Tentatively we took our first steps, and wondered if anyone would come. But come they did—in droves, amazed at the spectacle and stunned at the generosity. We in turn were overwhelmed as the community opened their hearts and pockets, and wanted to give something back. And so the ‘Gold Coin Donation’ was started for us. Trevor and Don Burstow never intended to create a fundraiser, but this has grown to be a major part of the event. 2006 saw $106 000 raised. This came from visitors, a charity auction and substantial donations from local businesses. The major beneficiary was Lifeline, and in particular their Living Works Program (a suicide prevention initiative), because although Burstow’s created a festive event, they were aware that for many in our community, Christmas is not always a wonderful time. Lifeline is inundated over the Christmas season with requests for support. The minor beneficiary was 2nd Toowoomba Scouts.
The Christmas Wonderland has now grown to be one of Queensland’s biggest light extravaganzas, and in 2006 Burstow’s welcomed about 48 000 visitors and in 2007 over 50,000 visitors. The event has continued to expand and many thousands of light-bulbs have been added to the display. Burstow’s greatest dream has been realized, in the real sense of community that has been forged. Visitors are indicating that this is fast becoming a family tradition at Christmas, and ‘See you at the lights’ is being heard all over Toowoomba. Local businesses, community groups and individuals have been approaching Burstow’s, totally supporting the idea, and wanting to get involved.
Don and Trevor Burstow are very proud that this has grown beyond a “Burstow’s” event, becoming truly a Toowoomba event. 2007 saw the event re-named Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland in recognition of the support Burstow’s receive from the entire Toowoomba community. In January 2008 Don and Trevor Burstow officially passed the responsibility for hosting “Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland” to the Lions Club of West Toowoomba.
2008 saw “Toowoomba's Christmas Wonderland” repositioned in the Toowoomba Botanical Gardens in Lindsay Street Toowoomba for the first time.
Over 115 major light displays will be established to brighten the Christmas Spirit of thousands of visitors of all ages from the 5th to the 24th December 2009. Three major beneficiaries for 2008 are: Lifeline Darling Downs & South West Queensland Limited (Living Works Suicide Prevention): The Toowoomba Children’s Hospital Foundation: The Toowoomba Hospice.
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