Hospice to host tree-lighting event

THE ST Luke’s Combined Hospices annual Tree of Lights Ceremony offers an opportunity to honour the memory of loved ones.

The event, to be held on December 2, also presents its patrons with a chance to enjoy a myriad stalls selling food, crafts, art and entertainment.

The tree-lighting ceremony will be held from 5pm to 9pm at the organisation’s head office in Kenilworth, said chief executive officer Ronita Mahilall.

St Luke’s NPO provides a palliative nursing care service to more than 800 patients with life-threatening illnesses, as well as for their families.

It has served the greater Cape Town area for over 30 years.

“The well-loved St Luke’s Combined Hospices offer assistance to so many families when a loved one reaches the end of their life, and the Tree of Lights Ceremony is not only a way of remembering that person, but also an event to raise much-needed funds.

“Our work is supported by our 12 community hospices and our in-patient unit in Kenilworth. Palliative care improves the quality of life for our patients when it is no longer possible to add days to their lives.”

She said the organisation needed the public’s support to help buy the more than 1 000 lights to decorate the Norfolk Pine tree on which the lights will be hung.

“The public are invited to sponsor a light and join the event where the magnificent five-storey high Norfolk pine tree will be lit in remembrance of those who have a special place in our hearts.”

The tree would be lit up every night of the holiday season following the initial ceremony, creating a magical environment, she added.

To buy lights, supporters can make a payment to:account name: St Luke’s Combined Hospices at Nedbank’s Southern Peninsula Branch.

The branch number is 123209 and the account number is 1051886309, while the reference is TOL/Surname.

People can e-mail proof of payment to projects@stlukes.co.za