Moville couple light up their home for Christmas to raise money for charity

A Moville husband and wife are lighting up their home once again this Christmas to raise money for local charities.

John and Martha Steele’s hilltop home and garden, which is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights and festive installations, can be seen for miles.

The generous couple invites anyone to call up to view the Christmas menagerie, which has to be seen to be believed – and callers are welcome to leave a small donation if they wish.

The Steeles have raised tens of thousands of euro for good causes over the past quarter of a century, with this year’s chosen charities being the Moville Tidy Towns and the Inishowen Hospice.

“A lot of extra work, lights and decorations have been added this year, with multiple hours and multiple lights in every corner. In fact, if someone stood too long in the one place, a set of lights could be put on them too!” John laughs.

“Everyone is welcome to come up and see the lights. If you have children with you, please ring the bell so we can show them Santa's cabin,” he adds.

The Steeles feel their annual lights display is now an integral part of Christmas for them.

“People have asked us why we put so much time and effort into it. It's just something we have done for so long, it's hard to stop now,” says John.

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He explains why the Moville Tidy Towns and Inishowen Hospice have been selected as this year’s beneficiaries.

“The Tidy Towns committee does a wonderful job keeping the town in the shape it's in. They are improving their marks every year. One only has to look at the shorewalk upgrade; it's the envy of towns near and far. They operate with a very small committee and deserve all the help they can get.”

John adds: “The Inishowen Hospice is a great facility on our doorstep for families that have to use it. It cuts down a lot of travelling to Letterkenny, and the staff do a great job in difficult circumstances. None of us really wants to need it, but when it comes to it, it is great to have it.”

There’s also a draw for a gigantic Christmas hamper, as John further explains.

“A lot of people will be receiving tickets in the post, and we hope they can help. All of our legacies will not be what we have taken, but what we have given.”