The Children’s Remembrance Day Committee at University Hospital Galway has launched ‘Sponsor a Christmas Tree Light’ 2020, giving families an opportunity to remember their loved ones in a special way over the festive season.
The tree allows people to sponsor a light in memory of the deceased or as a gift to a loved one, and mass will be offered for those for whom lights are sponsored which can be viewed on the chapel webcam.
“Our tree is unique in that the lights can be sponsored for both the living and the deceased,” said Joan Healy from the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee. “The light may be sponsored for one person or indeed for a family.”
This year’s card, which depicts a holly bush and robin illuminated by the light of a star, was designed by Maeve Brady from Cavan and will be given out to those who sponsor a light for €5.
“The year 2020 has been like no other with so much hardship and difficulty caused by COVID-19,” added Joan Healy.
“The Committee is hopeful that like the robin trying to bring warmth to the stable, the lights will reach out across the world connecting family and friends.
“The card can be sent to loved ones letting them know that a light has been sponsored in memory of a deceased person or indeed as a gift to the living.”
Joan said that this year more than ever, with so many people having been unable to travel and visit home, they feel it is important to connect, “letting them know that the lights are on, they are loved, missed and in our thoughts”.
“The funds raised through the sale of the Christmas tree lights are used to fund and support the activities of the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee throughout the year and any extra monies raised are used to enhance the services for bereaved families within the hospital.
“If you would like to sponsor a Christmas tree light, please contact Children’s Remembrance Day Committee members Anne McKeown on 091 544823/087 968 4271, Helena Hanrahan on 087 771 6648 or Joan Healy on 087 963 8992 from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm for more information.”
Switching on the Christmas Tree Lights
On Sunday 13 December, RTÉ’s Teresa Mannion will officially switch on the Christmas tree lights. Due to social distancing requirements the event will be streamed live on: https://www.mcnmedia.tv/cameral/uhg-chapel. The lights on the tree will remain until 06 January 2021.
