Lane lights up

Candy Cane Lane lit up for its fifth year Thursday night, spreading Christmas cheer while collecting food donations for several local charitable causes.

The impressive decorations can be found in Rutland, near Ziprick Road and Collison Road, and features about 60 homes that have gone all out decorating their houses and lawns.

It started five years ago when Damjan Madjar, 28, and his neighbour started a friendly competition with their decorations.

They decided to encourage others on the block to follow suit, and five years later, it continues to grow.

In addition to spreading cheer, Madjar has encouraged those admiring the neighbourhood to bring a food donation for one of several charities.

Last year, the block donated 9,000 pounds of food to the Kelowna Women's Shelter, Freedom's Door Kelowna and the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club Downtown Youth Centre.

“There's an actual purpose behind it, not just ... wasting our time putting up lights,” Madjar said.

And plenty of time has been dedicated to the displays. Madjar says that including the time he spent helping some of his elderly neighbours put up lights, he has spent 20 to 30 hours putting up decorations.

“It's a lot, it really is,” he said.

The decorations will be on display throughout December.