THE festive season can be both a joyful time and emotional time as residents remember those who are no longer with us.
Residents are invited to remember their loved ones by dedicating a light on the St David’s Hospice and Rhos on Sea Rotary Tree of Lights.
Now in its 23rd year, the Tree of Lights has become a special part of the run up to Christmas and acts as an opportunity to celebrate or commemorate the lives of loved ones or to mark a special occasion or other meaningful event whilst supporting a very worthy cause.
Rhian Jacobs, Events Co-ordinator said: “Unfortunately in the light of the current events, Rhos on Sea Rotary Club and St David’s Hospice have had to make an extremely difficult decision about this year’s Tree of Light switching on ceremony in Rhos on Sea.
“It has been decided, for the safety of everyone involved, the switching on ceremony on Sunday 28 November will now take place virtually as it did in 2020."
The lights will still shine bright, loved ones remembered and the Tree will be lit beautifully at the end of November.
The virtual ceremony can be enjoyed in the comfort of homes, not only in North Wales but across the world.
Rhian added: "Rhos on Sea Rotary Club and St David’s Hospice are extremely sorry for any disappointment caused, and we hope to join you in person in 2022.”
The virtual ceremony will be posted on the Hospice’s YouTube, Facebook pages and on the Hospice and Rotary websites.
Every penny donated will go to the hospice supporting the vital work they do for all communities right throughout North West Wales. They have been unable to hold many fundraising activities because of so many restrictions and need our support as much as ever.
Last Christmas, the tree was adorned with new LED lights and in 2021 they will shine brighter than ever. This has been made due to generous sponsorship off the Rhyl Flats Offshore Wind Farm and also support from the Conwy Voluntary Services Council, Dŵr Cymru and Bay of Colwyn Town Council.
People can give a donation of their choice to the Hospice as part of the event.
For each dedication, a Tree of Lights card will be sent out by post and loved ones’ name will be entered into the ‘Book of Lights’, which will be available to view online throughout 2022.
To dedicate a light on the Tree of Lights this year visit: https://stdavidshospice.org.uk/donations/tree-of-lights email Rhian.jacobs@stdavidshospice.org.uk or call the Hospice Fundraising Team on 01492 873664.
Residents can also print the form featured in this article then post back the completed form with their donation to the hospice.
The costs of running the hospice this year will be more than £5 million, only nine per cent of that comes from the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).
This leaves £4.5 million to be raised annually.
Since the Tree of Lights started in 1999, more than £331,000 has been donated to the adult hospice.
A spokesperson from St David’s Hospice said: “The response to this annual appeal over the years has been overwhelming. Since it started in 1999, over £331,000 has been donated to the adult hospice with £42,000 raised in 2020 alone.”
St David’s Hospice provides hospice care to adult patients across Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey.
The charity delivers free, high-quality, specialist palliative care to patients with life limiting illnesses, their family and carers.
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