A befriending charity in Southampton has officially launched its 15th annual Tree of Light Christmas fundraising and awareness campaign – pledging to ‘shine a light on loneliness’ in the city.
Through its sponsored Christmas lights, each one commemorating a loved one or special cause, and its festive switch-on events on December 2 and 3, Communicare will raise funds to help eradicate loneliness.
Manager, Annie Clewlow said: “We’re delighted to be launching our 15th annual Tree of Light campaign and to announce that we have two free Christmas tree light-up events, one in Woolston Millennium Garden and another at St. Mark’s Church, Archers Road, which we’d like to invite everyone along to.
“These promise to be celebratory occasions and represent the chance to highlight and shine a light on issues related to loneliness, especially at this time of year.
“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 pay for a light on one of our trees, 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.”
Anyone who would like to sponsor a light is asked to make a minimum donation of £8. The names of those being remembered will be recorded in a remembrance book and published on the charity’s website. People can also send photographs, short poems/verses or a tribute for inclusion in the book.”
Everyone, regardless of whether or not they donate, is invited to attend the free Tree of Light switch-ons on Saturday, December 2 at 5pm for 5.30pm in the Woolston Millennium Garden or at St Mark’s Church on Archers Road on Sunday, December 3 at 4pm for 5.30pm.
At Woolston Millennium Garden there will be carols around the tree led by The Rising Stars from 5pm.Attendees are invited to bring a lantern.
St Mark’s Church, Archers Road will have craft activities before the switch on from 4-5pm, plus refreshments and carols with HAMWIC Brass Band from 5pm. Both events are free. No booking required.
Anyone who wishes to also receive a remembrance star for their own Christmas tree at home, should send a stamped addressed envelope to our office: 6 Northlands Road, Southampton, SO15 2LF along with their donation for their light. Contact 023 8250 0050 or email accounts@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk if you would like further information about sponsoring a light.
The switch-ons take place at 5.30pm on Saturday, December 2 in Woolston Millennium Garden and at 5.30pm on Sunday, December 3 at St Mark’s Church on Archers Road.
For sponsorship forms and more information about the 2023 Tree of Light campaign and events, please visit communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.
- In Common is not for profit. We rely on donations from readers to keep the site running. Could you help to support us for as little as 25p a week? Please help us to carry on offering independent grass roots media. Visit: https://www.patreon.com/incommonsoton