Christmas lights shine bright for Jonah

December 16, 2022

Image of a house lit up with Christmas lights. The words Very Special Kids are spelled out in lights.

This year, Brett and Amy will light up Kurunjang with their annual Christmas in Melrome Court Light Show, for its fifth year running.

The display features more than 45,000 programmable individual LED lights and will raise vital funds for Very Special Kids, who has supported the family since their son Jonah died from a genetic condition at just 90 minutes old in 2018.

“When we found out we were facing some very dark times with Jonah and his twin, Caleb, the team at Very Special Kids were unbelievable. Each decision they supported us, listened to our family and still today are alongside us to help provide counselling and regular meetings,” Brett shares.

Brett, Amy and their four children have access to a dedicated Family Support Practitioner and can attend family networking programs and events, such as an annual weekend retreat for bereaved parents, camps, scrapbooking and art workshops, and even access to holiday accommodation, free of charge.

To date, the family’s Christmas in Melrome Court Light Show has raised thousands of dollars for Very Special Kids, helping more Victorian families like theirs access the emotional, clinical and practical support they need during the most difficult time.

“Jonah has become the centre and light of our life and via our lights display we get the privilege to honour his story every year… We do it for the community and to raise hope and awareness that no matter what you’re facing there can still be joy and light in the darkest of places.

“Many of our team have either watched us or know a loved one who has lost a child or is dealing with a palliative care situation… I know first-hand where the fundraising goes which is somewhat the best feeling in this entire journey regarding Jonah and raising funds for Very Special Kids.”

A person is wearing a pig mascot outfit, and a Very Special Kids t-shirt. They are standing outside with a house in the background lit up with Christmas lights. The light show features three different themed sets, running between 15 to 20 minutes in duration. There will be crowd favourites, including songs from famous movies; Toy Story, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid – as well as classic Christmas carol tunes.

A highlight of the evening, Guy Sebastian song Choir, will feature in memory of Jonah. The song took over 300 hours to programme and incorporates a hand drawn, pixelised Guy Sebastian and choir group.

The show opened on Friday 9 December, with Melrome Court closed to the general public with local traffic access only. Visitors are advised to park nearby.

The Melrome Court light show has been made possible thanks to a large team of volunteers and local businesses, including West Traffic, who have donated their services free of charge. Brett’s family are also grateful to have the support of their neighbours year on year.

There will also be very special character mascots attending the light show, so children can get their photo with some familiar faces, including Santa, Snow White and Bluey, starting from Friday, December 16.

To donate to Brett and Amy’s light’s display please click here.