By Susan Searle

THE money is still being counted, but the $100,000 fundraising target of the Burstows Christmas Wonderland of Lights display has been passed.

Organisers estimated the sensational lights display attracted an average of 1100 people each night over the 23 nights.

President of Toowoomba West Lions Club George Williamson had a band of 40 passionate volunteers who threw more than 8050 sausages on the barbie to be devoured by the hungry visitors.

"When the final figures are done, the $100,000 mark will be exceeded," he said.

"We haven't just been manning the barbecue, we have been out delivering Hope the Firefly colouring competition entries, selling Hope the Firefly lapel pins and collecting donated items for the charity auction, which raised an amazing $34,000," he said.

There are more than 20 businesses in Toowoomba displaying the Hope the Firefly lapel pins on their front counters.

Mr Williamson said the colourful badges are a reminder that Christmas is a time for giving, family and looking to the future, but those shrouded by depression may see this time as their darkest.

"Buying a Hope pin, isn't just about spending $5 and getting something in return, you are making a donation to the Lifeline's suicide prevention program right here in Toowoomba," he said. Each year fundraising statistics have tripled.

- In 2003, donations totalled $2700 for Lifeline.

- In 2005, donations from the 33,000 people who visited amounted to $30,000.

- This year, the target figure exceeded $100,000.

- Last year 33,000 visitors (25% from outside Toowoomba) came through the gates.

- In 2005, there were 13,000 ice creams and plum puddings served; - Work on the Christmas Wonderland is a year-round task, with more than 200,000 lights, 303 shapes and 33 different themes in this year's display.

- There are 5.5 kilometres of rope light and four kilometres of steel in the Wonderland.

- It takes 24 people per night for 23 nights to run the event and volunteers were even thick on the ground this year.