EVERYONE knows him as Postman John who each Christmas has the most wonderful Jindabyne light display with a good cause. And for the 28th year John McLoughlin has again delivered with a huge fundraising for local day care centres.
After mixed weather kept some people away early in December, when they did arrive, they were not only impressed with the lights, but were very generous with their donations.
Postman John raised over $10,000 for the first time ever, and in doing so has increased the size of the cheque presented in January to the day care centre opposite his residence in Bent Street.
“This year I am extremely proud to be quite honest with you,” said John reflecting on the months prior.
“I never dreamed in my wildest dreams when I started doing a donation box that I would ever reach ten thousand dollars. To me it’s an amazing feeling.”
The Snowy Mountains Care & Early Learning Centre were presented a cheque for $8010 and the Thredbo Day Care Centre will receive $2000 in donated funds.
The associated history of the early learning centre goes back decades, where John’s wife Doreen worked for 12 years. As John starts his light creation in September the kids all view through the fence from their playground centre. John also still does the postman rounds on his motor bike and is always welcomed by the kids.
While John’s is the most talked about light display, the lights created by Sandra Butterworth and family around the corner on Kurrajong Street really add to the whole atmosphere of Christmas in this precinct of Jindabyne.
“They all know me by Postman John, and they’re the ones that 28 years ago christened me Postman John. The name has stuck from then, and it has been passed down from generation to generation.”
Parents who have kids in the centre now were once those young children admiring John’s handy work when they attended the day care centre.
John said the way it started off with the cold weather in December he “didn’t think we had a hope of getting anywhere near this,” referring to the amount of money raised.
“The last ten days of December, the crowds were up magnificently from previous years and donations were up too.”
Centre director Moira McAspurn is relatively new to the role of overseeing the centre but is more than aware of the impact John and his generosity has on the centre.
“I have lived in Jindabyne for going on seven years, so very familiar with the beautiful Christmas light display, it is magnificent and a community event," said Moira.
“We are so lucky to be across the road from it and join in the Christmas spirit and a fantastic contribution he makes to the centre each year.”
When asked where the funds would be spent, Moira said they are looking to facilitate a fort playground structure for John in his honour.
“We will name it after him, maybe Postman John’s playground or something like that, so he can view it across the road.”
The centre is currently upgrading their whole outdoor area and are liaising with landscape architects. Funds raised in the last few years have been kept aside and will be added to this project.
John will now be preparing his next light display and as always will be adding the collection. The Jindabyne community and visitors will also be awaiting another great event.
“I also could say that my sponsorship money is up again this year and I would really and truly from the bottom of my heart like to thank all our sponsors.”
John’s generous sponsors:
Cameron McKid and his crew at The Banjo Paterson Inn, Jindabyne Bowling Club, Gordon Jenkinson, McGrath Snowy Mountains, Michael Henley, Lake Jindabyne Hotel, Woolworths, BWS Jindabyne, Rydges Horizons, Peter and Jo Frew of Jindabyne and Michelago, Ian Noaks and his crew from Australia Post Delivery Canberra, Jindabyne Mitre 10, Stumpy and Maree Pendergast, the Rowson Family – Paul, Kaz, Taylor, and the man himself Ryan.
“Finally hope I have not missed anyone have a great year and will see you from the roof in September.”
