Bushfires spark major change for Christmas carols

Christmas carols say goodbye to fireworks display after a devastating fire season.

CHRISTMAS: Santa makes an impressive entrance at the 2018 carols.

AFTER a devastating fire season, the 55th Annual Perigean Beach Carols have cancelled their fireworks display, deciding to donate the funds to our furry friends.

East Coast Originals committee secretary Rellish Walsh said the not-for-profit organisation, in-charge of the carols, “wants to bring some joy to the locals after the devastation they’ve had” but did not think the fireworks were suitable.

“We just thought it was completely inappropriate with everything going on the community and we thought the money could be spent better,” Mrs Walsh said.

The funds allocated to the fireworks will be donated to Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast founder Claire Smith said they were “overwhelmed by the genuine outpouring of help and support being shown by the local community” and would be giving the money to the areas that need it most.

“The financial assistance will help the battle to save the lives of countless burn victims, including our iconic koalas.”

Mrs Walsh said the organisation was “very fond of wildlife organisations” and wanted to help the animals after the devastating fires.

“There was so much bushland destroyed with the fires and we feel like those little guys get push to the side sometimes,” Mrs Walsh said.

While the fireworks will be absent from the popular carols Mrs Walsh said she was pretty sure it wouldn’t be too great of a loss.

The carols will kick-off at 3pm at the Peregian Beach Park on December 1.

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