Rotary Tree of Lights raises more than £27,500 for charity

Held in November, it is a tradition that dates back more than 20 years and has raised more than £361,000 since its inception.

Organised by the Rhos-on-Sea Rotary Club, the event invites members of the community to donate and in turn dedicate a light to the Hospice’s Rotary Tree of Lights in memory of a loved one.

November’s lights were switched on by Mayor of Colwyn Bay, Councillor Merrill Jones.

The event was once again online, resulting in the last two editions of the Tree of Lights illumination being virtual.

Organiser Geoffrey Price said: “In 2020 it was online because of Covid-19 restrictions.

“In 2021 it was again online following the terrorist event at Liverpool Women and Children's Hospital.

“Our insurers would no longer cover the event.”

Despite fundraising being a key element to the event, the Rotary Tree of Lights represents much more than just charity donations – it brings the community together.

Geoffrey added: “The Tree of Lights is not just about fundraising.

“It enables people to remember loved ones and it gives us so much satisfaction knowing this has happened and helped people cope at what can be a difficult time.

“Locals say it heralds the coming of Christmas.

“We hear day to day about strife in the world and in these difficult days of the pandemic which has affected us all, good news often fails to hit the headlines.

“We hear so little about the good that is being done by ordinary people.”

Rotary Club President Cliff Large said: “It was a strange feeling once more, not seeing the hundreds of supporters that are normally here.

"Let’s hope that we can all be here next year.”

The Tree of Lights is the Rotary Club’s flagship annual event, and with discussions on this year’s event to be held next week, they will be hoping that all community members will be able to attend the illumination ceremony for the first time in three years.