Our Tree of Light raises more than £1,200 so far
We have raised more than £1,200 with our 14th annual Tree of Light campaign.
We held switch-on events for our festive trees to commemorate loved ones at two events last weekend (December 3 and 4) and people are still able to sponsor lights until December 20.
A helping hand to the community
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.
This is more than just a fundraiser for us, as our Tree of Light provides a valuable public service for those who wish to remember and include those they have lost in their Christmas giving.
A beacon against loneliness
These are celebratory occasions and represent a bright beacon against loneliness in our city. Our trees allow people to remember a lost loved-one at Christmas or to mark something special. They also support our charity, which helps befriend people city-wide in neighbourhoods and communities at grassroots level.
Hundreds of sponsored Christmas lights, commemorating loved ones and special causes, are now covering one of the beautiful pines in Woolston Millennium Garden and a tree at St. Mark’s Church, Archers Road.
Light up event on December 3
The first of the charity light-up events of 2022 took place on Saturday, December 3 in Woolston Millennium Garden and was officially presided over by the city’s 800th Right Worshipful Mayor of Southampton, and first The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Jacqui Rayment. Entertainment included carol singing led by the Rising Stars group.
Before the charity light-up event in Woolston Millennium Garden, there were craft activities and refreshments in St. Mark’s Institute and refreshments afterwards too.
Second switch-on on December 4
The second switch-on took place on Sunday, December 4 at St Mark’s Church on Archers Road, where the Mayor flicked the switch too. Prior to this, those who attended enjoyed a nativity, craft activities, carols and refreshments.
A positive response to our campaign
We are thrilled to have had such a good response to our campaign this year and there’s still time for people to sponsor a light if they would like to. Both switch on events were well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all. We are very grateful to Woolston Millennium Garden, St Mark’s Church, Spectrum Signs and the Mayor for their involvement and support, and hope that everyone who passes the trees this month enjoys their twinkling lights.
Sponsor a light
Anyone who would still like to sponsor a light is asked to make a suggested minimum donation of £7 by December 20, 2022. 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.
Full details of how you can still sponsor a light are available here.
