The 21st ‘Sponsor a Christmas tree light’ has been launched at University Hospital Galway.
The annual initiative gives families an opportunity to remember their loved ones in a very special way over the festive season.
A giant Christmas tree will be on display at the entrance to University Hospital Galway this Christmas, and people can sponsor a light on the tree as a dedication to a loved one.
Every time a light is sponsored, the family of the person to whom the light is dedicated to receives a Christmas card and will be remembered in three masses celebrated in UHG over the festive season.
Susan Massey from the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee explained: “Our tree is unique in that the lights on the tree can be sponsored for both the living and the deceased.
“This year’s card features the Galway Hooker. The illustration is taken from the poem ‘I Am Standing Upon the Seashore’ by Henry Van Dyke which depicts death as a ship sailing from one port out of sight to another port.
“This is also true of the journey our card takes as it makes its way around the world to those family members who have travelled to other ports in different countries letting them know they are remembered and that a light shines for them on the Christmas tree at University Hospital Galway.
“A card is given with every light sponsored and the card can be sent to family and friends abroad or to the family of the deceased person to let them know their loved one has a light shining for them on the tree.”
The funds raised through the sale of the Christmas tree lights are used to fund the activities of the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee throughout the year.
The committee is non-profit based and any extra monies raised are used to enhance the services for bereaved families within the hospital with monies given to improve facilities for them.
“We were delighted that the members of the winning All Ireland Galway Camogie Team joined us to formally launch this year’s ‘sponsor a Christmas tree light’. The lights will be on sale at different times in the main foyer of UHG from 22 November until 08 December at a cost of €5 each,” added Susan.
Switching on the Christmas Tree Lights
On Sunday 08 December Irish country singer and Galway native Mike Denver will officially switch on the Christmas tree lights at UHG.
The afternoon’s festivities will commence at 3.30pm with music from the Conquerors and friends and the boys and girls from Scoil Cathríona Renmore will perform Christmas carols. There will also be a special visit from Santa on the day.
