For more than four decades, Portarlington has upheld the cherished tradition of erecting a large Christmas tree in the town each festive season.
The lights go on, families gather, and the town comes alive with holiday spirit.
However, this year the volunteer committee behind the tree was facing a serious challenge: insufficient funds to cover essential costs such as insurance, electricity, bulbs, and maintenance.
A GoFundMe page was set up, and the people of Portarlington have shown their true community spirit and have raised over €1,300 euro with organisers hoping to reach the target and turning the tree on Saturday, 29.
The money raised will go to the operational costs of the tree, which is paid every year.
These include insurance costs, electricity bills, maintenance of the Christmas tree steel frame, equipment hire, repair and maintenance and light bulbs – scenes that light up the square.
A spokesperson from the Christmas tree committee spoke to LaoisToday and hailed the community spirit and the volunteers for the support they have shown and is hopeful the Christmas Tree once again will be shining bright on the town despite the difficulties.
He said: “Having the town’s Christmas tree is very important to Portarlington it’s been going up for over 40 years, and this year is no different.
“Every year electricity cost is our biggest expense running cost of the tree is not cheap as we all know electricity cost keeps rising.
“We are a voluntary committee of 8 people and with the help of our volunteers this would not be possible. Also, for our community donating this would not be possible.
“Please keep donating we are nearly there, we have made a decision that we hope to meet targets and that the tree will be going ahead this Christmas and hopefully be lit on Saturday, 29 November.”
Anyone wishing to donate can do so by clicking here or below:
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