South Dunedin couple Theresa and Alan Smith opened their festive-themed home and garden as a fundraiser in the week before Christmas.
The home was very popular, with huge lines of people down their drive eager to enjoy the couple’s impressive displays, including collectors’ items and a winter wonderland village with a model train carrying a waving Santa.
The couple said they were grateful to the people of Dunedin, who gave about $6400 to help their granddaughter Zoey Butcher (3), of Auckland, who had a rare neuromuscular disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The disorder could leave her unable to walk, stand, or even swallow.
Mrs Smith said it was "absolutely fantastic" and they loved being able to share a little bit of Christmas magic with everyone.
"We had the privilege of meeting and talking to some really lovely people and were blown away by the support and kind words that were given to us for Zoey."
The funds raised would go towards helping their daughter Chauntel Wedlake and her fiance Chris Butcher build a tiny house in Auckland equipped with ramps and other equipment.
Zoey would soon start being treated with nusinersen (branded as Spinraza) next week, which Pharmac was now funding.
"We are hopeful that this will go well and offer her a bit more movement and chance for a more normal childhood," Mrs Smith said.
She will initially have four loading doses into her spine every two weeks followed by four doses every month for the rest of her life "unless we can manage to get the second less invasive drug funded here as well".