People have an opportunity to remember their loved ones in a special way this festive season by sponsoring a light for them on University Hospital Galway’s Christmas tree.
The light can be in memory of the deceased or as a gift to the living. A triduum of Masses will be offered for all those for whom lights are sponsored and this can be viewed on the chapel’s webcam.
Joan Healy, the PRO of the UHG’s Children’s Remembrance Day Committee which organises the fundraiser, says the lights may be sponsored for one person or for a family. People who buy a light, which costs €5, receive a Christmas card. This year’s card was designed by Maeve Brady from Cavan and depicts a holly bush and a robin both traditionally associated with Christmas.
“The year 2020 has been like no other with so much hardship and difficulty caused by Covid-19,” says Ms 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. This year more than ever, with so many people having been unable to travel and visit home, we feel it is important to connect, letting them know that the lights are on, they are loved, missed, and in our thoughts.”
She says the money raised from the sale of the Christmas tree lights finances the activities of the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee throughout the year. Any extra money is used to enhance the services for bereaved families within the hospital.
Teresa Mannion of RTE will officially switch on the Christmas tree lights on Sunday December 13. Due to social distancing requirements the event will be streamed live on https://www.mcnmedia.tv/cameral/uhg-chapel
Joan Healy says this will enable families to share the ‘switch on’ of the lights, irrespective of their physical distance. We encourage you to send your cards early inviting the recipients to tune in for the ‘switch on’. The lights on the tree will remain until 6 January 2021.”
To sponsor a Christmas tree light contact the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee members - Anne McKeown on (091 ) 544823 or (087 ) 9684271, Helena Hanrahan on (087 ) 7716648 or Joan Healy on (087 ) 9638992 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
