A new roof project is looming for St. Thomas D’Aquin Parish in Astorville but most of its usual fundraisers have been stymied by COVID-19 concerns, including its famous seapie picnic.
Viviane Giroux, however, doesn’t want 2020 to be all doom and gloom so she decided they could raise some much-needed cash and make people feel better at the same time.
The Christmas Angel Tree project offers the perfect solution with 5,000 bulbs for $5 sponsorships as memory tributes for loved ones who have passed away.
Giroux said all the isolation people are experiencing this year is giving people a chance to appreciate the people and sense of community that are important to them.
“When you become self-isolated you start missing people; especially your loved ones gone to soon,” she said. “This is why this fundraiser is more then just about money; it’s about remembering those watching over us from above.”
The 40-foot tree in front of the church, wrapped in lights, was planted in honour of Les Soeurs de la Sagesses (Daughters of Wisdom, a sect of francophone nuns) decades ago.
Giroux said people from across Canada with Astorville roots are supporting the fundraiser as well as a host of local residents and businesses.
The lights were acquired with the assistance of Perron Timber Mart, the Catholic Women’s League and Knights of Columbus with installation by Gateway Signs, she said.
They have a long way to go, however, with 4,000 more lights available and the fundraiser culminating Sunday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. when the lights and Christmas music is turned on. While there could be up to 100 people keeping safe distance during an outdoor gathering under current provincial protocols, Giroux said they’ve arranged for people to tune into 100.1 FM to listen to the music in their cars to be more safe.
“It’s beautiful to see our community come together and remember what our community was – home to our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents,” she said. “We hope people stop on the side of the street to enjoy the beauty and think of their loved ones.”
Sponsorships can be made through the church web site, www.ourabcparishes.com/christmas-tree-fundraiser. Visa, Mastercard or Interac is available for contributions. Multiple names can be listed and they are included in a list for everyone to see.
The lights will remain 4 p.m. to midnight daily until Christmas Day.
Dave Dale is a Local Journalism Reporter with BayToday.ca. LJI is funded by the Government of Canada.