End of carols by candlelight?
Christchurch’s Carols by Candlelight could be scrapped because of a funding shortfall, its organisers say.
The 70-year-old event, which attracts thousands of people to central Christchurch every Christmas Eve, is seeking a business sponsor after future funding from the Christchurch City Council was cut.
About 20,000 people gathered in Latimer Sq on Christmas Eve this year to light candles and listen to a choir and the Salvation Army Band perform carols.
‘‘If there is anyone out there that wants to ride in on a white reindeer and save the day, we are looking,’’ YMCA Christchurch chief executive Josie Ogden Schroeder said.
‘‘We need someone who is prepared to put up the money and make sure it happens every year.’’
Ogden Schroeder said the event costs about $29,000 to stage, with the main expenses related to sound and lighting equipment, health and safety compliance costs like traffic management and toilets, and the stage itself. It is entirely run by volunteers, including the performers.
Funding from the Christchurch City Council had fallen from about
$18,000 a year in 2008 to $6000 for
2018 and 2019, Ogden Schroeder said.
The council contributed $12,000 to this year’s event and the shortfall was made up by $5000 from the Elizabeth Ball Foundation, $5000 from the Lion Foundation and money raised from a charity golf tournament.
It took a lot of time and resources to apply for funding to cover the deficit, she said.
‘‘We spend a whole lot of energy filling out funding forms. We should be raising money for our core purpose, which is helping vulnerable young people.
‘‘If we don’t get a business sponsor we will have to sacrifice other things in order for Carols by Candlelight to happen. That is a real mission and cause question for this organisation.’’
The council should review its funding for all events, she said.
The council was unable to comment as staff were on leave until January 3.