A fundraising Christmas tree at a Dumfries church is to be lit up again for the 21st year.
Tom and Janet Henderson have raised more than £115,000 for worthy causes through the St Michael’s and South Church Light Up A Life campaign over the past 20 years.
On Tuesday they launched this year’s appeal with a team of helpers – Janette Wingate, Bunty Irons, Agnes Kerr and Ethel Inglis.
For £5, people can sponsor one of the bulbs on the outdoor tree in celebration of a loved one – with their names then entered in a book of remembrance which is displayed in the church throughout the year.
The lights will be switched on at a ceremony on December 1 at 6pm with Dumfries Town Band and a short carol service. There will be refreshments afterwards.
More than 1,000 lights will shine over the town from the kirkyard where Robert Burns is buried. Monies raised will be given to local causes and upkeep of the church. Last year’s event raised £5,780. The recipients were: Dumfries Town Band, £100; Cumberland Day Centre, £300; Chest, Heart and Stroke, £200; Arthritis Care, £200; Dumfries Diabetic Support Group, £300; Solway Sound Tapes, £100; Social Club for Blind, £150; Dumfries Alzheimer Society, £300; Marie Curie, £300; Visibility See Hear Project, £200; Samaritans, £300; Learning Together NW Resource, £150; Soul Soup Children, £150; Parkinsons, £150, St Michael’s Church Project, £2,652.
Mr Henderson said: “Brochures are ready for posting and I am expecting good support again. It is open to everyone to sponsor a bulb and we hope that individuals, families, businesses and groups will join in and make it a success.”
Brochures are available at main libraries, stores and restaurants, from Mr Henderson on 01387 255007, or from the kirk.
