AUSTRALIAN DAD CREATES RECORDBREAKING CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DISPLAY
Australian
dad David Richards has kicked off Christmas celebrations in Australia’s capital city of Canberra by earning a Guinness World Records title for the largest image made of LED lights.
With
1,194,380 lights making up a 3D image of three Christmas gifts spanning 3865m2, as well as tens of thousands of lights creating a magical backdrop, the display has transformed Canberra’s CBD into a festival of light to raise money for the charity SIDS and Kids ACT.
“We’ve
done this because we want to help the organisation that helped us after our tragic loss in 2002,” says David. “Christmas lights really get people into the festive spirit. We decorated our home for years and people came from everywhere to see our lights. This year, who knows how many people will come along? We hope to provide ongoing support for the counselling and bereavement services provided by SIDS and Kids ACT.”
Last
year the SIDS and Kids ACT Christmas Lights display made headlines around the world when David Richards decorated his family home with 502,165 Christmas lights and reclaimed a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title he first held in 2011. The display attracted more than 75,000 visitors.
Over
the years the Canberra barrister and his wife Janean, a senior government lawyer, have raised more than $200,000 for the local charity. This year David has rallied the support of the Canberra community and says the Christmas lights display would not have been possible without generous contributions from local businesses.
“We
have architects, civil engineers, tradies, construction companies, sound engineers... all volunteering and donating goods and services, as well as wonderful sponsors including Canberra CBD Limited, Luton Properties, BLOC and the Canberra Centre,” he says
Chris
Sheedy from GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS says this event is a special one. “Every record attempt is officially amazing,” Sheedy says. “But an event such as this, one that celebrates Christmas, brings a community together, thrills families and raises money for a fantastic charity, is one that GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS is truly honoured to be involved with, especially in our 60th anniversary year.”
SIDS
and Kids ACT is a charity dedicated to eliminating sudden and unexpected death in children from conception to six years of age. To find out more, head to www.sidsandkids.org.
Thank Elia
you for watching:
Kafka