A SOUTHAMPTON charity dedicated to helping eradicate loneliness in the city has so far raised more than £1,200 with its 15th annual Christmas Tree of Light campaign (December 2023).
Communicare held switch-on events for its festive trees festooned with lights – each one commemorating a lost loved one – at events last weekend (December 2 and 3) and sponsorship is still open until December 31.
Communicare Manager, Annie Clewlow 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 in their Christmas giving.”
The first of the two charity, light-up events of 2023 took place last Saturday, December 2, in Woolston Millennium Garden and was officially presided over by the city’s 801st Right Worshipful Mayor of Southampton, and second The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Valerie Laurent. Entertainment included carol singing led by Rising Stars Productions.
The second switch-on took place on Sunday, December 3 at St Mark’s Church on Archers Road, where Southampton’s Sheriff, Councillor Dave Shields flicked the switch. Prior to this, those who attended enjoyed craft activities, carols with HAMWIC Brass Band 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.
“We are very grateful to Woolston Millennium Garden, St Mark’s Church, Spectrum Signs, Rising Stars Productions, HAMWIC Brass Band and the Mayor and Sheriff for their involvement and support. We hope that everyone who passes the trees this month enjoys their twinkling lights.
“We are thrilled to have had such a good response so far to our 2023 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, 2023. 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.
“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.”
Full details of how to sponsor a light are available here:
