A SUNDERLAND care home is lighting up lives tonight (28 November) by showing the true spirit of Christmas.
Belle Vue House, Mowbray Close, is switching on its biggest and best display of Christmas lights yet, at a special event at 4.30pm.
And not only will visitors be able to enjoy a dazzling display of everything from illuminated elves to a host of other well-known characters – but throughout the evening the home will also be collecting donations to help the city’s homeless.
Rated Outstanding by the CQC, the 27-bed home is at the heart of its community, running a rolling programme of events, from mother and baby yoga to charity fundraisers – and the annual lights switch on is a highlight of its calendar.
This year along with the lights, which also feature characters from fairytales and popular children’s books, the free to attend event will also feature a grotto – with Santa and Mrs Claus – and a café serving hot chocolate, mulled wine, mince pies and hot dogs.
And the home – which is owned Prestwick Care – hopes as many people as possible will not only come along and enjoy the spectacle, but also bring donations so staff can make up parcels for Sunderland Soup Kitchen, to help those who are homeless in the run up to Christmas and beyond.
The lights display – which will remain in place until Twelfth Night – is split into seven sections, with a nativity scene, elves’ workshop and grotto, a gingerbread candy cane lane and a snowman scene alongside familiar characters from storybooks.
“We have some fabulous new additions, such as inflatables, this year,” said manager Alison Oliver “because we pride ourselves on going large or … well, home.
“And we simply want people to come along and enjoy the display – but if they can bring donations to help those who have nowhere to call home this Christmas that would be wonderful.
“This is one of our biggest annual events and we hope everyone will rally round to show true Christmas spirit and community at its finest.”