Thanks again for everyone’s help with the Borgnis Street lights. Guess what? We’ve hit similar figures for the 3rd year in a row, but we won’t steal the thunder before the presentation. That is an amazing effort given our low numbers. Of course, we were able to pull it off with the assistence of many helpers.
The contribution from Davidson High School Interact (the High School Rotary group we sponsor) the Rotary Clubs of Balgowlah and Warringah, friends, family and Borgnis St residents was huge and very much appreciated.
The contribution from Davidson High School Interact (the High School Rotary group we sponsor) the Rotary Clubs of Balgowlah and Warringah, friends, family and Borgnis St residents was huge and very much appreciated.
The history of the Borgnis Street Christmas Lights dates back to1996 following a small group of neighbours having a regular BBQ get together around Christmas, when a bet was made as to who could put up the most Christmas lights that year. In the ensuing few years, prizes were awarded for the best and most improved house within the group. The light display soon grew to include most of the residents in the street and became one of the best precincts for Christmas Lights in Sydney.
The display attracted more and more people from beyond the local area, and it became apparent that the visitors wanted to make a donation in recognition of the fantastic effort by the residents.
In the first few years, any money raised was donated to The Salvation Army. However, in 2002, the Salvos were no longer able to collect the funds due to a lack of manpower, a new charity was decided upon namely Bear Cottage, a hospice in Manly which provides respite care for terminally ill children. It also gives additional support for their families. In 2004, a portion of the funds collected also went to the Autistic Children’s Charity.
In 2005, the Rotary Clubs of Belrose and Frenchs Forest were approached to coordinate and provide resources for the bucket collection. It has resulted in a valued and enjoyable relationship. When Frenchs Forest Rotary ceased to exist in 2020, Belrose Rotary stepped up and were able to fill the void with the assistance of the Interact Clubs at The Forest High School, Davidson High School and Killarney Heights High School, and many community members. Donations were collected in a non-confrontational basis at the request of the residents. Over $850,000 has been collected over the 29 years and Bear Cottage in Manly has been the major beneficiary. The Davidson Rural Fire Service, based in Borgnis S’treet, have played a key role and they put on a wonderful light display, entertain the kids with their fire engines, sell glow sticks, and do a sausage sizzle.
A festive atmosphere has been created and is much anticipated by the local and not so local community. Many musical groups have performed in the street each year, including church choirs and students from local high schools and primary schools, which adds greatly to to positive ambience in the street.
A festive atmosphere has been created and is much anticipated by the local and not so local community. Many musical groups have performed in the street each year, including church choirs and students from local high schools and primary schools, which adds greatly to to positive ambience in the street.