Tree of Joy switch-on signals gifts campaign
CHRISTMAS came to Town last night at the Tree of Joy switch-on, which is accompanied by a campaign that aims to provide gifts to children of families in financial difficulty.
The Rotary Club of Guernsey has been organising the campaign for the past 27 years. It asks members of the public to provide items on the Christmas lists of children who may not be receiving presents this year.
The club also asks for nominations of children who deserve the opportunity to press the big red button.
Vauvert Primary School student Isabelle Price, 7, was chosen after being nominated by the Sunflower Trust, a service she has been a part of since losing her father at the end of last year.
‘Lighting the Tree of Joy has made Christmas feel more exciting, special and joyful,’ said Isabelle.
She switched on the lights from a reception hosted by the sponsors – Butterfield, PwC and Guernsey Gas – at PwC’s offices.
Her mother, Liz, said: ‘We know that this Christmas will be really difficult, so Isabelle being asked to light the Tree of Joy has given us both something good to focus on.
‘Our chats with Denise at the Sunflower Project have, in Isabelle’s words, made her feel much happier and less sad, confused and angry about the loss of her dad. Our meetings have relieved me of some of the stress of helping Isabelle understand her feelings and emotions. They’ve given us some great coping strategies to use when we feel it’s all too much.’
Bereavement worker Denise Ozanne said it was wonderful to be able to make her feel really special.
Alongside the campaign, the club will be holding flag days today and tomorrow to raise funds to purchase Christmas hampers to give to deserving families over the festive period.
Mike O’Hara, Rotary Club Community Services chairman, said: ‘Surely there can be no better example of the spirit of giving at Christmas than imagining the smile on a child’s face as they open that unexpected present on Christmas morning.’
A gift value of £25 is recommended and gifts should be suitable for children aged 12 and under.
Gifts must be wrapped and returned by 10 December.
Tags are available from the following locations:
Creasey’s Toy Shop [where they will also pack the present for you]
Aladdin’s Cave
Guernsey Post Hub – North Plantation
Fletcher Sports in the Arcade
Fletcher Sports on the Bridge
Co-op St Martin’s
NatWest High Street
Barclays High Street
Norman Piette – Bulwer Avenue
