Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services is asking people to support its annual Light Up A Life Christmas appeal as it enters its 28th year.
Light Up A Life is the most important fundraiser for the Hospice, and this is the first time in 28 years a physical vent won’t take place at its Harold’s Cross site.
The event will instead take place virtually, with the support from Aviva which is the sponsor for the fourth year in a row. Last year, more than 26,000 lights were lit to celebrate loved ones.
With fundraised income likely to be down more than 30% this year, the service is asking for people to sponsor a light at this years event.
Audrey Houlihan, Chief Executive Officer said: “This year, the message of shining a light in dark times feels even more powerful. At a time when we are being asked to stay apart, you can Light Up A Life to feel closer to a loved one.
“We depend heavily on fundraising and need to raise €5.5 million annually, however, we expect this to be down by a third this year. We know it has been a difficult year for everyone and we are so proud of how our team has come together to find new ways of working.
“As well as facing this year’s challenges, we have also welcomed Wicklow Hospice on-board and we plan to renovate Blackrock Hospice next year.
“Although cannot welcome people to our site, we will host a special Light Up A Life event online from 5pm on December 6 at www.lightupalife.ie with our wonderful MC Ian Dempsey introducing entertainment and songs to enjoy.
“Partnership and working with our community are important to us, so we are delighted that Aviva is generously supporting us for the fourth year. They have a genuine interest in enabling us to provide care for our community. We are always delighted to talk to businesses, large or small, about how we can work with them to support our work,” she said.
Last year, over 10,000 people attended this annual remembrance celebration, which marks the start of Christmas for many families.
To sponsor a light, visit www.lightupalife.ie.
