Stars of remembrance are being placed on Altrusa Trees of Remembrance in the Ashburton Arcade.
Altrusa International of Ashburton members, including Alison Quinn, Viv Strong and Lynne Judkins, have been helping Mid Cantabrians honour family and friends who will not be around this year for Christmas.
The initiative is not only for those missing people who have passed away, but also for those missing people they are unable to see this Christmas.
‘‘It’s for people to remember loved ones who will not be with them at this Christmas time,’’ Lynne said.
Altrusa has also lost members of their organisation this year, who they will be remembering too, Viv said.
People can buy a star for $2, between the hours of 10am and 4pm.
Most people write a name on to the star, and some add a message.
They then hang the star on one of three trees this year, provided by Redmonds.
Alison said it was quite an honour to be able to offer the service to people.
Altrusa had held the initiative since 2002. ‘‘We do share happy times with people, and some quite sad times,’’ Alison said.
‘‘We even get children remembering their pet that they may have lost during the year too,’’ Alison said.
The Altrusa Trees of Remembrance are located in the middle of the arcade.
Stars are for sale at the site until noon on December 21.
Proceeds raised will go towards Ashburton Palliative Care Charitable Trust Fund.
– Altrusa Trees of Remembrance stars for purchase, $2 each, from 10am to 4pm, Ashburton Arcade, to December 21.
