With COVID19 playing havoc with charity activities right around the county, cancer support charity, Recovery Haven Kerry, has chosen to move its annual Celebration of Light ceremony online.
The charity will host the event on its Facebook page on Thursday, August 20th at 8pm and are inviting the public to join with them for the virtual ceremony which aims to celebrate those touched by cancer and remember those we have lost.
Celebrating 10th. Anniversary
The charity, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, has been working extremely hard to ensure that the uniqueness of this poignant event remains at the heart of the online ceremony, with all the usual prayers, readings and blessings remaining.
Among those taking part in the ceremony include: Recovery Haven founder, Marian Barnes; the charity’s patron Dick Spring; 2009 Kerry Rose Sally Anne Leahy and Rose Hotel owner and valued Recovery Haven supporter, Eibhlín Henggler – who will participate in the ceremony from her home in the US.
Ballymac CE Scheme Involved
The virtual event, which has been beautifully compiled by the Ballymacelligott CE scheme, will be MC’d by Sean Lyons and will also feature a performance from the Kerry Choral Union.
The emotional release of candles and stones will also form part of the celebration from Banna Strand, with the valued support of Banna Sea Rescue.
Best Possible Alternative
“While we are extremely disappointed that we cannot hold our event at the beautiful backdrop of Tralee Bay Wetlands this year, we are confident that the significance of this very special event will not be lost in our virtual alternative,” said Recovery Haven PR & Marketing officer, Marisa Reidy. “We have seen year after year how truly special this event is and how poignant the ceremony is to those touched by cancer, so instead of cancelling it altogether we were determined to offer the best possible alternative.”
Light a Candle
The charity is now calling on the people of Kerry to join them on Facebook at 8pm on August 20th for what promises to be a truly special virtual experience.
“Because people cannot be with us in person and release their candles into the water, we would love for them to light a candle in their home or community and, if they wish, take a photo and tag Recovery Haven on Facebook so we can share and acknowledge their valued participation,” Marisa added.
GoFundMe Page
“The charity will be selling special anniversary candles at their house at 5 Haig’s Terrace Tralee on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, August 17, 18 and 19th between 11am and 1pm while a GoFundMe page will also be set up if anyone wishes to donate on the night in lieu of buying their candles directly, as they would have done in previous years.”
Page Details Will be Shared
Details of this page will be shared prior to the event and on the night.
Meanwhile, two intimate Celebration of Light ceremonies will also take place on the same night at Tarbert Pier and Ballyheigue Beach at 8pm, but organisers are stressing that anyone attending these events must please adhere to all social distancing rules and restrictions to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
