Tree of Light campaign raises more than £1,600 so far
We’ve so far raised more than £1,600 with our 16th annual Christmas Tree of Light campaign (December 2024).
We held switch-on events for its festive trees festooned with lights – each one commemorating a lost loved one – at events last weekend (November 30 and December 1) and sponsorship is still open until December 31.
Helping people live
Our Manager, Annie says: “All the funds raised will go towards our Good Neighbours network, which extends a helping hand to members of the community in our city experiencing challenging circumstances. We are here to help people live, rather than exist.
“But this is more than just a fundraiser for us, as our Tree of Light also provides a valuable public service for those who wish to remember and include those they have lost, including their pets, in their Christmas giving.”
Woolston
The first of the two charity, light-up events of 2024 took place last Saturday, November 30, in Woolston Millennium Garden and was officially presided over by the city’s 802nd Right Worshipful Mayor of Southampton, and the third The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Dave Shields. Entertainment included carol singing led by Rising Stars Productions.
St Mark’s
The second switch-on took place on Sunday, December 1 at St Mark’s Church on Archers Road, where the Mayor also flicked the switch. Prior to this, those who attended enjoyed craft activities, Christmas songs with professional singer Amy Jade and refreshments.
Annie adds: “Hundreds of sponsored Christmas lights, commemorating loved ones and special causes, are now covering two of the beautiful pines in Woolston Millennium Garden and a tree at St. Mark’s Church, Archers Road. Both events were well attended and were joyous and uplifting.
Grateful
“We are very grateful to Woolston Millennium Garden, St Mark’s Church, Spectrum Signs, Rising Stars Productions, the wonderful singer Amy Jade and the Mayor for his involvement and support. We hope that everyone who passes the trees this month enjoys their twinkling lights.
Still time to sponsor a light
“We are thrilled to have had such a good response so far to our 2024 campaign. There’s still time for people to sponsor a light if they would like to. They are asked to make a suggested minimum donation of £8 by December 31, 2024. The names of those being remembered will be recorded in our remembrance book and published on our website. People can also send photographs, short poems/verses or a tribute for inclusion in the book.
Why sponsor a light
“By sponsoring the lights on our trees, people can remember a lost loved-one at Christmas or mark something special. Each light also helps support our charity, which befriends people in communities city-wide. Our mission is to eradicate loneliness and isolation, which are becoming more and more of a problem for people of all ages.
“Along with our band of Communiteers, who give their time and support on a voluntary basis, we’re working hard to eliminate what has been dubbed society’s ‘silent epidemic’ through our various Good Neighbour initiatives.
“We’re hoping, once again this year, that lots of people sponsor a light, so we can continue to help those who would like to see a friendly face on a regular basis for a chat or to assist them with simple tasks like shopping.”
How to sponsor a light
Full details of how to sponsor a light are available here.