Lions Club of Bridgend

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Our annual Christmas Tree of Light has been organised in conjunction with St Mary’s Church who very kindly agreed to site the Tree outside the Church on Ewenny Road, Bridgend.

A Christmas Tree decorated with over 400 white lights is set up under the canopy of the church in early December. A short dedication service is held before the lights are switched on, with Christmas Carols led by St. Mary's School Choir. This year the dedication took place on the 12th December 2011.

The Tree of Light is a point of focus for people who want to remember a loved one or a special cause at Christmas. Individuals dedicate a light on the Tree for £5.00 and receive from the Lions Club a commemorative card to say that their name and that of their loved one(s) or cause are recorded on a board kept alongside the tree for all to read. Throughout the Christmas period the board is updated constantly as new names are added.

To sponsor a light on our tree click here, print off the form and post to the address on the form.

The Tree has enabled us to raise over £5,000 which has supported not only local causes such as Heronsbridge School but has also contributed substantially to a Lions International project (Campaign Sight First II) which has helped to prevent blindness in more than 24,000,000 people in developing countries.

In 2009 the nominated Charities to benefit from the Tree of Light proceeds were Mental Health Matters of Bridgend and the Handicapped Children’s Pilgrimage Trust.

In 2010 the nominated charities were Wales Air Ambulance and the Handicapped Children’s Pilgrimage Trust

In 2011 the nominated Charities are the Peter Ryan Appeal and Bridgend Samaritans

To mark the switching on of the lights a short service of dedication is held around the tree when all sponsors and anyone else interested are invited to attend.

Lion John Craxton leads the short but enjoyable service in the foyer of St Mary's Church

St Mary's School choir sing carols

The choir gather around the Christmas Tree of Light

Lion Simon Dawkes presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Father Isaac in December 2008.

The picture below shows representatives from Mental Health Matters receiving a cheque for £800 (one half of the proceeds of the 2009 Tree of Light) from Lions President Godfrey Morris.