It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas at the Friendly Society Private Hospital in Bundaberg, thanks to the Pashley family's Christmas village display.
Visitors to the hospital can be left in no doubt that Christmas Day is fast approaching, thanks to the return of the display in the reception area.
The display, painstakingly put together by Alan and Lyn Pashley, their daughter Kassandra Chadwick and son-in-law Craig Chadwick, is sure to bring joy to visitors while also raising funds for new hospital equipment.
The Christmas village scene depicted in the display features lights, houses, trains, markets, stores, Christmas trees, motor vehicles, trains and people going about their Christmas activities.
Some of the pieces are incredibly detailed, including tiny houses which will reward a look through their windows with even tinier items including lounge suites and grand pianos.
Last year $100 was donated to The Friendlies Foundation, the fundraising arm of the hospital, by visitors who admired the display.
With the ever-expanding display having grown from last year, Lyn was hopeful that more money would be raised for the foundation this year.
“It’s been a pleasure for us to have people see the display and to be able to help the hospital buy much-needed equipment,” Lyn said.
“This year there’s even a Where’s Wally hidden for the children to find, along with chocolates and lollies.”
Lyn said Kassandra had even completed half of a miniature version of the Friendly hospital itself, with the structure being added to the display and set to be completed for a Christmas 2021 return.
Lyn said the display had started out as a project for the family home but her desire to have it viewed by a wider audience prompted her to offer to display it at the hospital.
Maria Ebert, Foundation and Volunteer Coordinator for The Friendlies Foundation, said the hospital was fortunate that the Pashley family offered to set up the display at their premises.
“It is always a pleasure to watch the family work together for days to transform the room into a Christmas wonderland,” Maria said.
“The display generates positive chatter amongst spectators and the donations given in appreciation help The Friendlies Foundation support the hospital in providing top quality care and support to our community.
“The effort and contributions are very much appreciated and enjoyed.”
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