The Children’s Remembrance Day Committee at University Hospital Galway has launched Sponsor a Christmas Tree Light 2022.
A light can be sponsored on the Christmas tree at UHG in memory of the deceased or as a gift to a loved one.
The lights give families an opportunity to remember their loved ones in a special way over the festive season.
Three masses will be offered for all those for whom lights are sponsored, and they will be live-streamed from the chapel webcam via mcnmedia.tv/camera/uhg-chapel at 1.05pm on 16 and 23 December and 6 January.
Joan Healy from the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee said that the tree is unique in that the lights can be sponsored for both the living and the deceased.
She said the light may be sponsored for one person or indeed for a family.
“The card for this year’s lights was designed by Dr Deidre Nic Gearailt and was chosen from many entries in a staff art competition,” said Joan.
“Her design recounts the story of Christmas and embodies the message of sending love incorporating the theme of children and family which are central to Christmas, just like the story of the Nativity.”
“Unfortunately, many families have suffered bereavements during the year and sponsoring a light for someone who has died is a lovely way of letting family and friends know that we are thinking of them in a special way.
“Families may have loved ones who are away from home for Christmas. Sponsoring a light is a way to let them know they are remembered and that a light shines for them on the Christmas tree at University Hospital Galway.
“Every time a light is sponsored, a Christmas card is given to the purchaser who can send the card to the person they have sponsored the card for to let them know that they are being thought about.
“Or the card representing the light can be kept in memory of a loved one who has died or sent to their family letting them know that they are being thought about. Each light costs €5.”
The lights are available to purchase through Children’s Remembrance Day Committee members Vivian Roche-Fahy on 087 9684271; Anne McKeown on 087 4418574; and Helen Hanrahan on 087 7716648 until 4pm on the 11 December.
Switching on the Christmas Tree Lights
On Sunday 11 December, Ollie Turner from Galway Bay FM will officially switch on the Christmas tree lights.
The afternoon’s festivities will commence at 3.30pm with music from the Conquerors and friends.
