FOR the past 22 years, Highway Hospice’s Tree of Light has been a beacon of hope for many families who have lost a loved one.
It’s a special occasion for patients and their families who have been dealing with advanced, incurable diseases, including HIV, within the greater Durban area, to reflect on the year or years that have gone by. It also brings people together and teaches them about love and loss.
When lit, the 12-metre tree stands as a pillar of strength and trust, ensuring those who are ill that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Magic Lighting, who have been sponsoring the 9000 LED lights on the Tree of Light for the past 10 years, will once again illuminate the Tree of Light honouring these families and their memories.
This year, Naresh Ramjee of Bassa Olive Oil, instead of making a donation like he does annually, decided to sponsor the star on top of the tree which costs R10 000. He said he and his staff have always had a soft spot for Highway Hospice and the work they do.
“I lost my mum to cancer and during our trying times, the staff of Hospice were extremely supportive and helpful to us. My family and I will never forget those days, the help and support my mum, and we as a family received. I am also touched by the on-going assistance still offered to patients on an on-going basis and therefore we are willing to support this organisation,” said Ramjee.
He added that even his partners, Sabino Basso and Salvatore Sarno, based in Italy and Durban respectively, were supportive in the company’s endeavours to sponsor the Highway Hospice.
Heather Walker, fundraiser at Highway Hospice, thanked the corporates and companies which, over the years, have contributed to the Tree of Light to make it the success it is.
“It is heartening to know that you all share our concern for those who do not have much longer to live and you are prepared to do something practical to ensure our terminally ill patients make each remaining day a gift of life. With the help of services from supporters such as yourselves we are able to continue supporting our vision of providing palliative care to all, supporting quality in life and dignity in death,” said Walker.
This year’s event at Jameson Park (opposite Mitchell Park) on Friday, 28 November at 6pm starts with music with a Christmas theme supplied by dedicated volunteer musicians. Other entertainment for the evening includes music by Dave Burch, Bernie Davenport, Mim Erasmus, Deez ‘n Beez and Collin Rule.
There’s also food stalls but you are welcome to take along a picnic basket, as well as a blanket and don’t forget your umbrella in case it rains. A few tents will be erected for shelter just in case. Hospice also sells candles that evening for people to light it on the night.
The actual lighting of the tree takes place at 7.45pm (weather permitting) when more than 9000 globes light up with a soft radiance. The tree will shine throughout December.
If you have a loved one who you would like to remember in this beautiful and touching tribute. Dedications cost R40 a globe. Contact Heather or Cathy on 031 208 6110 or e-mail: heather@hospice.co.za to buy a globe.
