Southampton charity Communicare raises £1,600 with campaign

Communicare, which aims to combat loneliness in the city, held its 16th annual switch-on events last weekend.

The first event took place on November 30 in Woolston Millennium Garden, led by the city's mayor, Councillor Dave Shields. Rising Stars Productions provided carol singing.

Communicare volunteers Sue Daw and Lynda Walton with the 802nd Right Worshipful mayor cllr Shields (Image: Supplied)

The second switch-on was on December 1 at St Mark's Church on Archers Road, where the mayor also switched on the lights.

Attendees partook in craft activities, listened to Christmas songs performed by professional singer Amy Jade, and enjoyed refreshments. Each light on the tree represents a lost loved one.

Communicare manager, Annie Clewlow said: "All the funds raised will go towards our Good Neighbours network, which extends a helping hand to members of the community in our city experiencing challenging circumstances. We are here to help people live, rather than exist.

"But this is more than just a fundraiser for us, as our Tree of Light also provides a valuable public service for those who wish to remember and include those they have lost, including their pets, in their Christmas giving.

The Rising Stars Communicare Tree of Light 2024 (Image: Supplied) “Hundreds of sponsored Christmas lights, commemorating loved ones and special causes, are now covering two of the beautiful pines in Woolston Millennium Garden and a tree at St. Mark’s Church, Archers Road. Both events were well attended and were joyous and uplifting.

"We are very grateful to Woolston Millennium Garden, St Mark’s Church, Spectrum Signs, Rising Stars Productions, the wonderful singer Amy Jade and the Mayor for his involvement and support.

Mayor Dave Shields Communicare trustee and volunteer Lenka Fremerova and Reverend Marc Allez from St Mark’s (Image: Supplied)"We’re hoping, once again this year, that lots of people sponsor a light, so we can continue to help those who would like to see a friendly face on a regular basis for a chat or to assist them with simple tasks like shopping."

The campaign, which started in December 2024, continues to accept sponsorship until December 31.

Communicare’s Christmas Tree of Light campaign is a yearly tradition, with 2024 marking its 16th iteration.

It serves as a memorial for lost loved ones while raising funds for the charity's efforts to reduce loneliness.