Jay and Diane Kinna have been fundraising for Surrey Memorial Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) since 2007 with their Cloverdale Christmas light display. Since then, they have raised over $44,000 for the NICU. It is a labour of love for Jay and Dianna, and very much a family effort as both sons, Wyatt and Nash also work hard each November to help install thousands of lights.
“We have always gone to Surrey Memorial when our children needed to go to the hospital, and we’ve always been treated very well,” Diane says. “So we decided to give it to the little guys (babies) that needed it.”
The couple have doubled the power supply to their home, and have 15 designated breakers just for the Christmas lights. Detailed installation plans are followed from blueprints to get everything in place by December 1.
Jay can often be found in the driveway handing out candy canes to excited children who come to visit. He would like to add even more display lights, but there is no more room on the house, and only a small spot left in the yard.
Jay and Diane’s dedication has helped many sick babies and their families who come to Surrey Memorial Hospital for specialized care. You can visit the Kinna’s spectacular Christmas lights every December at 16956 60A Ave in Cloverdale.
