After a challenging year, Tŷ Hafan calls on supporters to give the gift of light this Christmas by dedicating a star to a loved one
Credit: Tŷ Hafan
Welsh children’s hospice, Tŷ Hafan, has launched a Christmas star project where charity supporters are invited to dedicate a hand-painted star in memory of a loved one.
In the run up to Christmas, the custom-decorated wooden stars will be hung on Tŷ Hafan’s festive tree in the hospice grounds by the care team, nurses and staff.
The idea behind the project is to bring light to a dark year and to take time to remember people we love
“This year, we’ve been separated by distance and many people have lost loved ones,” explains Chloe Payne, Tŷ Hafan events fundraiser. For some, it hasn’t been possible to hold memorial services or to see friends and family during this time, she adds.
Focusing on hope
“The idea behind the project is to bring light to a dark year and to take time to remember people we love – whether they’re far away from us, passed away or simply someone special to us,” says Chloe.
The charity will be hosting a series of performances around the Christmas tree which will be shared on social media, including music from Welsh singer, Hannah Grace.
Relying on the generosity of the public to sustain its services, Tŷ Hafan has faced a number of financial challenges due to the pandemic. Sadly, as a result of restrictions, many of the charity’s crucial fundraising events were cancelled this year.
Caring through the crisis
Recent research by Pro Bono Economics shows a similar impact has been seen across the sector. The analysis estimated a £6.4bn loss of income for the UK’s 170,000 registered charities, with smaller organisations being especially exposed to the crisis.
Our supporters have been really generous in getting behind us, enabling us to provide vital services to the children and families who need us
With six retail shop closures and a predicted income loss of £2m, support for Tŷ Hafan’s Christmas appeal, projects and virtual events is arguably more important than ever.
Chloe affirms, “It’s been a difficult year for the charity but our supporters have been really generous in getting behind us, enabling us to provide vital services to the children and families who need us.”