The Saint Catherine of Siena Church in Richmond is gearing up to host this year’s Tree of Hope light switch-on event later today.
What started as an attempt to boost the local residents’ morale during Covid19 in 2020 has now become a yearly tradition, attracting people from all over the ward. The event has been especially well received by people who feel isolated in the area.
The event is funded through the East LAC Richmond Ward Pots which the local councillors allocate. The Tree symbolises not just the beginning of the festive season but alludes to a wider sense of community and a collective aspiration for a better future.
The event is about giving people from all walks of life a place to come together, talk, make new friends, listen to music and go back feeling good.
It focuses on the rising issues of loneliness and isolation in the community, and aims to give people who are struggling a platform to connect with someone who might be able to help.
While talking about the event, the Councillor for Richmond Ward, Diane Hurst, said: “[It] might be held on Christian premises, but it’s secular. It’s not linked to any particular faith.
“[It] came out of community group meeting inspired by the community, and everybody is welcome to attend”
In the past, the event has seen community organisations put up stalls to inform people of various initiatives available, recruit new members and raise funds. This year is going to be no different, with free food, Santa’s grottos, and wreath-making activities all available.
The first tree was a small “fairybell tree’” and has been upgraded over the years. This year’s tree is bigger and programmable – with the ability to display patterns and play music.
The location of the tree also has been strategically chosen so that everyone can see the tree and what it stands for while passing by.
Councillor Hurst explained: “It’s on the corner of a road, and it’s very visible.
“So for everyone that goes by on the bus, as they walk into the shops, as they’re walking home or drives by, they can see it as a symbol of hope, and the lights can shine out at the darkest time of year.”
The event will start at 4pm today and lights are scheduled to be turned on at 5:30pm.
