WELL-WISHERS are leaving messages of goodwill as a popular hospice launches a festive fundraiser for the Yuletide season.
Members of the public are being invited to write on a bauble and, for a donation of £2, hang it on the Giving to Life tree in Darlington’s Cornmill Centre.
Every year St Teresa’s Hospice runs the popular initiative which raises £8,000-10,000 towards the £3.5m needed to run a range of services for people in Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire.
St Teresa’s Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “We think it’s important to give people the opportunity to make a symbolic gesture at what can be, for some people, a difficult time of the year. The messages can be poignant tributes or simple good wishes for the year ahead.
“Volunteers from the hospice make this possible by being on hand to collect donations and to talk and listen to people. It’s a very special time of the year for us.”
Cornmill Centre manager Susan Young added: “We have supported this initiative for about 22 years and know just how much it means to our visitors and how important it is in raising funds for St Teresa’s.”
The Giving to Life tree is open for messages 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday and 10.30am-4pm on Sundays until December 24 and will continue to stand in the Cornmill Centre into the New Year, when a non-denominational blessing service will be held before the tree is taken down.
Volunteers are needed to help run this appeal; if you would like to help, please contact Supporter Services at St Teresa’s Hospice on (01325) 254321 or email events@darlingtonhospice.org.uk.