A LOCAL family are raising money for the Staying Home Leaving Violence program with a spectacular Christmas light display.
Gayle Archibald and her son Tom Barraclough have decorated their house in the spirit of Christmas, and are asking for a gold coin donation.
SHLV aims to keep women and children in their homes, and safe, after the end of a violent relationship.
The program works with New South Wales Police to remove violent perpetrators from family homes, and assists with legal advice, managing financial issues, and provides support for children involved.
Mr Barraclough, helped by his fiancé Sophie O’Neill, and sister Mary Barraclough, set up the decorations on the weekend with Mayor Tom Kennedy turning on the lights.
“It went off with a bang,” Mr Barraclough said.
“Last year we ended up raising $300-$400 just from having the gold coin donation box outside.
“We’re just trying to get every little bit to help them out.”
Mr Barraclough said his family looked into which charity they wanted to help.
“We did some research last year as to what local charity we wanted to support, and SHLV popped up,” he said.
Mayor Kennedy said he’s thankful to all those that take the time to make Christmas light displays.
“It gets the city into the festive spirit,” he said.
“The display from Tom and his family is an exceptional display that they are using to raise money for domestic violence which helps those in need. “I hope everyone gets out to see his display and donates to a worthy cause.”
Mr Barraclough said there have been positive reactions to the display.
“The community reaction to the decorations has been really good so far,” he said.
“On Christmas Eve Foodland will be donating Zooper Doopers for us to hand out for the kids and we’ll also will have Pokemon characters running around in suits.”
The Christmas house can be found on Fisher Street in Broken Hill.
