SOUTHAMPTON residents wishing to remember pets who have passed away can do so thanks to a charity’s Tree of Light fundraising and awareness campaign (November 2026).
Communicare, which is dedicated to eradicating loneliness in the city, is offering people the chance to sponsor festive lights commemorating special causes and loved ones including pets this Christmas.
Communicare’s Manager, Annie Clewlow, explains: “By sponsoring the lights on our trees, people can remember a lost loved-one, or they can 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.
“Every year so far, we’ve just highlighted remembering people and people-related causes, but this year we’d like to extend this to animals and pets, as we appreciate how important they are in people’s lives and the significant contribution they make to someone’s wellbeing. We’re hoping lots of people sponsor lights on our trees to help fundraise for us and the work we do. We can also provide a remembrance star for them to hang on their own Christmas tree at home.”
Communicare volunteer, Debbie Hendry, who is also Service Manager at Unpaid Carers Support Southampton, is sponsoring a light this year for her and her husband Chris’ dog Gus, who passed away this summer.
She says: “Losing our beloved Gus in July this year, left a hole in our hearts that words can hardly describe. He was so much more than a dog – he was family, a source of unconditional love, comfort and happiness. The memories we shared will stay with us forever, and although we wish we had more time together, we will always be grateful for the love and light he brought into our life. Our beautiful Gus. You will never be forgotten.
“Communicare’s Tree of Light is a fantastic way to remember those we love who are no longer with us. I helped out at one of last year’s event. I particularly like that, as well as there being a light shining away for them on one of the trees, I also have one of the charity’s stars to hang on my tree at home to remind me too.
“Communicare is a very special organisation, helping those who are isolated in our community. Sponsoring a light is not only beneficial to the work the charity does but also helps us to remember all our loved ones.”
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.
Fellow Communicare volunteer, Ray Turner, is also sponsoring a light for his late dog, Bruno.
He says: “Bruno was a lovely older dog who we adopted via The Dogs Trust. A Basset/Springer cross, a Springbatt, he often caught people’s attention and he loved every minute of that.
“He was my special friend and partner in crime, particularly on fridge raids and memorably did a Mutt Strut with me to raise money for the Maggie’s Centre in Southampton. Bruno loved his tummy rubs and being tickled under the chin but became less keen on walks as he aged.
“Sadly, we only had a few years together, but I’ll never forget him and feel that he’s still with me. Particularly when I go to the fridge. RIP Bruno, my special friend. Thanks for all the love you gave us.”
Communicare is hoping, once again this year, that lots of people sponsor a light on one of its three 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.
Annie adds: “We’re working hard in communities across Southampton through our various Good Neighbour initiatives, supported by our band of Communiteers, who give their time and support on a voluntary basis.
“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: 147 Shirley Road, Southampton, SO15 3FH, 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.”
Communicare’s three free Tree of Light switch-on events will take place this year at St James by the Park Church in Shirley, St Mark’s Church on Archers Road and Woolston Millennium Garden. Everyone is welcome to attend these special community occasions regardless of whether they sponsor a light.
Annie continues: “Our first Tree of Light event will take place at St James by the Park Church in Shirley on Sunday, November 15. Following a 3pm Memorial Service, guests will be invited to enjoy tea and cake, with a craft session before the Tree of Light switch-on at 5pm.
“On Saturday, December 5, St Mark’s Church, Archers Road, will host a Tree of Light celebration from 4.30pm until 5.30pm, with activities before the switch-on at 5.30pm. Also on December 5, Woolston Millennium Garden will host another switch-on event, with The Rising Stars performing festive songs and carols before the tree is illuminated at 5.30pm.
“We’re very grateful to St James by the Park Church, Woolston Millennium Garden and St Mark’s Church, as well as The Gardens Group (Castle Gardens) in Dorset, who provide the tree for St Mark’s, and Spectrum Signs for their continued support. This campaign plays a vital role in our fundraising and social calendar.”
For forms and more information about the 2026 Tree of Light campaign and events, please visit: www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk/tree-of-light-2026/. Sponsorship is open until December 31, 2026.
