The Herbert family and its lights display at 3 Smale Court, Noble Park North, which is helping to raise funds for a children’s hostel.By Shaun Inguanzo
A NOBLE Park family displaying Christmas lights to raise money for an orphanage says a handful of “scabs” has marred what should have been a perfect Christmas fund raising effort.
The Herbert family at 3 Smale Court has switched on an elaborate Christmas lights display to raise money for Gordon Care for Children and has so far raised about $1000.
The money goes directly to the hostel, which houses children from abusing and neglectful households, and is used to ensure they are treated to a merry Christmas despite their circumstances.
But Gail and Brent Herbert this week told Star that among the amazing show of support from Greater Dandenong residents were a few heartless people.
Mrs Herbert said while nearly everyone who visited donated their loose change to the cause, some parents and their children were visiting only for free lolly bags.
“About 20 people really have caused a stink about not getting lolly bag, yet they haven’t donated,” Ms Herbert said.
“You do this (the light display) for a good cause – the home.
“We pay the electricity bill, pay for the majority of lolly bags, and don’t get any help whatsoever except for two businesses who have come to the rescue recently, and yet people expect something for free without donating in return.
“Those are the bad ones who are hurting our feelings.
“To me they are just scabs who want stuff free and don’t give a damn about children in the home who don’t have parents.”
Mrs Herbert said the family felt fortunate that only a small minority of visitors behaved this way, and in general the Heberts were overwhelmed by the support of residents.
“We had one lady who came out of hospital last week to specifically see the house and then she went back to the hospital afterwards,” Mrs Herbert said.
“We had another lady come and she was crying because she said it was just wonderful.
“Then we had a little boy who was absolutely screaming and throwing a tantrum because he didn’t want to leave.”
Mrs Herbert thanked I and J Supermarket in Mount Evelyn and Save More Supermarket near Sandown for donating lollies that the Herberts could give away to children whose families donated money.
The Herbert family’s lights will still be displayed every night until Christmas Eve and Mrs Herbert said donations were always welcome to help put a smile on the faces of some of Victoria’s most disadvantaged children.
To donate, visit the display at 3 Smale Court, Noble Park North.
