News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By LeRae Haynes 

The penguin Christmas fundraising light display for the 139 Children’s Society provided more than a spectacular background for seasonal charity. It was also the place this Christmas where Murray Roderus got down on one knee in the snow and proposed to his girlfriend, Christina Wharton. 

(Photo:  Christina Wharton and Murray Roderus celebrated Christmas with penguins, getting engaged to be married at the Christmas House light display.)

The couple had driven to 142 Country Club Boulevard on a date night, to enjoy the eye-catching light displays in the yard of Ken and Julia Berry.  The Berry family, partnered with the 139 Children’s Fundraising Society since 1999, has raised money every Christmas with a donation box on the edge of their yard. 

The Berry displays this year included a forest of mini-light trees programmed into the Christmas music throughout the yard, adding to the spectacular, whimsical and entertaining displays. These include Santa in the Lighted Treehouse, the Penguin Hockey Rink, the Northern Lights Mine & Trail, Santa and his Sleigh and Reindeer, the Gingerbread House, engine 139 and the Penguin Express Train, the ‘Cariboo Pens ‘Choir, as well as lighted gifts, lighted deer, penguin fishermen, skiers and sledders.   

Christina has lived in Williams Lake for two years, but has had an ongoing love for penguins. “I think penguins are cute and I love the fact that they mate for life,” she said. “I thought the penguin light display was amazing, and when I got out of the car to make a donation, Murray got down on one knee on the sidewalk and surprised me with an engagement ring.”

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