Now in its second year, Canberra Christmas Park is promising to be even bigger and brighter and to raise more funds for local families in need this December. Embrace the festive season with the incredible light and tree display, one very special guest, and heaps of family fun across three magical nights, 15–17 December 6–11.30pm. Santa makes an appearance each night at 6.30–7.30pm.
Moving to a more central location this year, the Christmas trees are interspersed with the established natives and exotics at the Croatian Catholic Centre in Farrer. Canberra Christmas Park co-founder Robert Azdajic says the move was for the ease of visitors, however, with the existing leafy canopy, the experience has become akin to a traditional Christmas village.
Festive tunes played via speakers serenade visitors as you make your way around the nearly 400 Christmas trees adorned with over a million twinkling lights, to the awe-inspiring 17-metre tree at the park’s centre. Santa makes a quick stop each night to hand out gifts, receive letters, and pose for happy snaps on your smartphone. Embracing the Christmas spirit of giving, all the funds raised via sponsorship and entry fees will go to help families through Saint Anthony’s Bread.
Families and businesses are encouraged to sponsor a tree with their names attached to the one of their choosing. Last year, some donors chose to add extra decorations to their trees. Prices start at a fully tax-deductible donation of $59 for a family to sponsor a 1.8m tree and $69 for a 2.1m tree, and businesses can donate $300 to sponsor a 2.1m tree. One generous donor can secure the 17m star attraction for $5,000. For visitors, entry to the event is a gold coin donation.
The charity event is the brainchild of Robert Azdajic and his daughter Ruzica, who were called to action after hearing of a family going through tragedy during what is widely regarded as the happiest time of year. Eager to help, they dreamed up the community Christmas event with a vision to keep all funds within the capital region to help local families.
With hopes of one day raising $100,000 per year, Mr Azdajic knows this goal will take time to reach. He says the Canberra community is a generous one and has no doubt they will get there.
The appointed charity, Saint Anthony’s Bread, was chosen as they take no administrative fees, meaning that all funds raised go directly to helping local families. Once the event has been completed, packed away and stored, the teams at Canberra Christmas Park and Saint Anthony’s Bread go through the list of families to decide how best to distribute the funds. If you know of a family in need who could be helped by the proceeds from Canberra Christmas Park, please send details to the team via the links below.
Do you have the festive decorating bug? The team is looking for volunteers to help with setting up and taking down the incredible Christmas display. Contact the links below to find out how you can help.
Come and share the festive cheer at Canberra Christmas Park, Croatian Catholic Centre, 262 Beasley Street, Farrer on 15-17 December 6–11.30pm. Entry by gold coin donation.
