Dolphin Shopping Centre have partnered with Holme Hospice to give shoppers a chance to remember their loved ones in the run up to Christmas.
The shopping centre will house the charity’s iconic Tree of Remembrance outside Marks & Spencer for three weeks leading up to Christmas.
From Thursday 28 November until Wednesday 18 December, local shoppers will be able dedicate a ‘Light up a Life’ star on the tree in memory of a loved one, whether they were cared for by the hospice or not, in exchange for a donation towards the charity.
The Tree of Remembrance lights will be turned on by 8-year-old Kaden Dugmore at a special event to launch the tree. Kaden’s ‘hero daddy’, Karl, passed away earlier this year at the hospice aged just 39.
John Grinnell, centre manager at the Dolphin Shopping Centre, commented: “We’re pleased to welcome Forest Holme Hospice to the Centre again this Christmas for their Light up a Life campaign.
“We’re passionate about supporting the important work this charity undertakes to provide specialist care to those living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, and are so pleased to be able to partner with them again.”
Forest Holme Hospice provides end of life care and support to more than 1,000 people each year with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck.
Last year the tree raised nearly over £4,000 for the Forest Holme Hospice Charity, which needs to raise at least £850,000 each year to help the NHS and ensure that patients and their family and friends are supported during the most difficult time of their lives.
Paul Tucker, Fundraising & Communications Manager at Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Dolphin Shopping Centre is supporting us with the tree this year and the location means that shoppers and visitors can easily make a dedication for a loved one.
“Christmas can be a difficult time for those who have lost someone special, so our tree is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of those who are sadly no longer with us.”
Volunteers will be at the centre daily (excluding Sundays) with a stall selling hospice Christmas Cards and merchandise.