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Saanich man's annual Christmas display a show-stopper for charity

When it comes to Christmas displays, Don Moore of Saanich goes big and goes home. Moore, 60, starts decorating his basement in September. This weekend marks the start of his display’s 29th consecutive year.
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Admission to Don Moore's Christmas display at his home in Saanich, at 4000 Century Rd. is by donation and appointment, with proceeds going to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund and Mustard Seed Food Bank.

When it comes to Christmas displays, Don Moore of Saanich goes big and goes home.

Moore, 60, starts decorating his basement in September. This weekend marks the start of his display’s 29th consecutive year.

Six years ago, Moore started sharing the display with the public.

Admission is by donation, the proceeds going to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund and Mustard Seed Food Bank.

>> More Times Colonist Christmas fund stories

After nearly three decades, the work entailed in mounting the display is starting to wear a little on the retired postal worker.

“It’s starting to be a little bit of a chore, but it’s still fun,” he said.

He has made as much as $1,500 in one season and $4,500 over six years for charity.

The display started as something fun for Moore to do with his visually impaired son, Scott, who’s now an adult.

Today, the display — which includes a rotating Christmas tree, a miniature village and a huge Santa Claus — exudes magic for visitors young and old.

“The reaction, especially from the little kids to seniors, is just incredible,” Moore said.

“One guy, 92 years old, came with a group of eight other seniors. He said, ‘If I don’t live to see another day, I’m sure glad I lived long enough to see this,’ ” Moore said, chuckling.

“That kind of puts it all into perspective, doesn’t it?”

His favourite part of the display is the snow-covered village on a 3.6-metre-long table, complete with figurines, moving parts and twinkling lights.

Moore keeps threatening to retire from the decorating business, but somehow the display regularly returns for another Christmas season.

“I keep saying the end is coming but, as long as I’m physically able to do it, I’ll keep going,” he said.

“It does bring a lot of joy to people, I think.”

He’s planning on having a “light-up” event Sunday at 6:30 p.m. as a way of opening up the basement for a new season.

Call 250-477-8190 or mail coachdon@shaw.ca to arrange a viewing of the display.

The address is 4000 Century Rd. in Saanich.

smcculloch@timescolonist.com

How to donate

• Donate online HERE

• Call 250-995-4438, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

• Mail or drop off in person at the Times Colonist, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, V8T 4M2