The Children’s Remembrance Day Committee in UHG launch their annual ‘Sponsor a Christmas Tree Light’

The Children’s Remembrance Day Committee at University Hospital Galway (UHG) has launched ‘Sponsor a Christmas tree light’ 2022.

A light can be sponsored on the Christmas tree at University Hospital Galway in memory of the deceased or as a gift to a loved one.  These lights give families an opportunity to remember their loved ones in a special way over the festive season.  

A triduum of Masses will be offered for all those for whom lights are sponsored.  The Masses will be live streamed from the chapel webcam via https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/uhg-chapel on:

•         16 December at 1.05pm
•         23 December at 1.05pm
•         06 January at 1.05pm

Joan Healy from the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee said, “Our tree is unique in that the lights can be sponsored for both the living and the deceased.  The light may be sponsored for one person or indeed for a family. 

“The card for this year’s lights was designed by Dr Deidre Nic Gearailt and was chosen from many entries in a staff art competition. Her design recounts the story of Christmas and embodies the message of sending love incorporating the theme of children and family which are central to Christmas, just like the story of the Nativity.

“Unfortunately, many families have suffered bereavements during the year and sponsoring a light for someone who has died is a lovely way of letting family and friends know that we are thinking of them in a special way. Families may have loved ones who are away from home for Christmas. Sponsoring a light is a way to let them know they are remembered and that a light shines for them on the Christmas tree at University Hospital Galway.

“Every time a light is sponsored, a Christmas card is given to the purchaser who can send the card to the person they have sponsored the card for to let them know that they are being thought about. Or the card representing the light can be kept in memory of a loved one who has died or sent to their family letting them know that they are being thought about. Each light costs €5.”

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. This includes the annual Remembrance Mass for deceased Children as well as the Ecumenical Memorial Service for deceased patients and the Golden Enrolment Mass for deceased staff. Any extra monies raised are used to enhance the services for bereaved families within the hospital. 

The lights are available to purchase through Children’s Remembrance Day Committee members Vivian Roche-Fahy on 087 9684271; Anne McKeown on 087 4418574; and Helen Hanrahan on 087 7716648 until 4pm on the 11 December.

Switching on the Christmas Tree Lights 
On Sunday 11 December, Ollie Turner from Galway Bay FM will officially switch on the Christmas tree lights.  The afternoon’s festivities will commence at 3.30pm with music from the Conquerors and friends.

Photo caption:
At the launch of this year’s ‘sponsor a Christmas tree light’ from left, Maura Mannion, Chairperson of the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee; Dave Cooley, The Conquerors Band and Dr Deirdre Nic Gearailt, Artist.