A Southampton charity dedicated to eradicating loneliness in the city has officially launched its 16th annual Tree of Light fundraising and awareness campaign.
Communicare hopes to help combat isolation through its sponsored festive lights, each one commemorating a loved one or special cause, at its switch-on events in November and December.
Annie Clewlow, Communicare’s Manager, said: “We’ve launched our 16th annual charity Tree of Light campaign to help generate awareness of loneliness – which is known as society’s ‘silent epidemic’ – across all generations in Southampton in the run up to the yuletide. We’re hoping people will sponsor lights on our trees to help fundraise for us and the work we do at a neighbourhood level.
“We’ve also two, free, festive tree light-up events, one in Woolston Millennium Garden on November 30 and another at St. Mark’s Church, Archers Road on December 1. We’d like as many people as possible to come along to enjoy these celebratory events, which are open to all, regardless of whether you’ve sponsored a light or not.
“We’re delighted that the city’s 802nd Right Worshipful Mayor, and third Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor David Shields will be joining us to flick the switch at both events this year. Our switch-ons are jolly and inclusive occasions and represent the chance to highlight issues related to loneliness, especially during the festivities.”
Hundreds of sponsored twinkling lights, commemorating loved ones and special causes, will cover one of the pines in Woolston Millennium Garden and a tree at St. Mark’s Church, Archers Road.
Annie continued: “By sponsoring the lights on our trees, people can remember a lost loved-one as we start the countdown to 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 across all generations.
“Along with our band of Communiteers, who give their time and support on a voluntary basis, we’re working hard in communities through our various Good Neighbour initiatives.
“We’re hoping, once again this year, that lots of people sponsor 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 travelling to doctors’ appointments, social events or going 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.
Annie adds: “We’d also love it if people came along to one of our free Tree of Light switch-ons on Saturday, November 30 at 5.30pm in the Woolston Millennium Garden or at St Mark’s Church on Archers Road on Sunday, December 1 at 5.30pm. Everyone is welcome to these joyous events regardless of whether they donate.
“On the Saturday at Woolston Millennium Garden we’ve carols around the tree led by The Rising Stars. Bring a lantern if you’d like to! Then on the Sunday, come along to St Mark’s Church, Archers Road from 5.30pm. We’ll have refreshments and carols from 4.30pm. 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. Please contact us on 023 8250 0050 or email accounts@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk if you would like further information about sponsoring a light.
“We’re very grateful to Woolston Millennium Garden, St Mark’s Church and Spectrum Signs, for their on-going support. This event is so important in our fundraising and social calendar.”
For sponsorship forms and more information about the 2024 Tree of Light campaign and events, visit communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.
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