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Businesses and organisations are being given the opportunity to nominate a boss or a colleague to be lifted to the top of the 110 foot high Tree of Joy to fit the star.
In 2012, Guernsey Press photographer Tom Tardif volunteered to go to the top of the Tree of Joy, which is the tallest tree in Europe, and last year the Bailiff accepted the challenge and was interviewed at the top by BBC Guernsey presenter John Randall.
"We wanted to continue the tradition of having someone fit the star to the top of the Tree of Joy and so decided to give companies and organisations the chance to nominate a colleague, a boss or maybe a local personality to have the honour,’ said Rotarian Jerry Girard, who launched the Tree of Joy initiative 15 years ago with Terry Ferbrache.
"Nominations need to include a pledge of financial support and the highest pledge will secure the honour and we will use the money raised to purchase gifts for deserving children within the Bailiwick."
Since the Rotary Tree of Joy initiative was launched 10,000 presents have been given to children within the Bailiwick who would otherwise get very little at Christmas. The initiative is once again sponsored by Sure, Deutsche Bank and Long Port who have been involved since 2005 when the Weighbridge tree was first erected.
"The illuminated tree on the Weighbridge Roundabout, the replica at the airport and the traditional tree in Church Square raise the profile of what the Tree of Joy is really about as well as adding to the festivities,’ said Mr Girard. "We are eternally grateful to Sure, Deutsche Bank and Long Port for their continuing support as we simply couldn’t afford to have these focal points around the island.’
Sure marketing and PR manager Jess Bisson said the idea of nominating someone to add the two metre star to the top of the Weighbridge mast was likely to be popular.
"I’m sure there are lots of companies out there who are keen to send their boss to the top of the mast on a cold winter’s morning and we look forward to seeing who is put forward. Sure, Long Port and Deutsche Bank are extremely proud to be associated with this initiative as not only does it provide support to those local families who need it most, it also signals the start of the Christmas festivities for the whole island," she said.
The Weighbridge Tree of Joy, which is the height of an 11-storey building, will be put up on Sunday 16 November with support from Marine & General and Bob Froome and Sons. Once again, the sponsors will choose a young islander to be given the once in a lifetime opportunity of turning on the lights on 27 November from a VIP reception at Long Port’s office at Royal Bank Place.
Once the lights have been turned on, 600 Tree of Joy tags will be distributed to shops and businesses across the island. Islanders are asked to take a tag, purchase and wrap a gift suitable for the age and gender of the child written on the tag and then return it. Tags will be available from most of the high street banks, the main Post Office and the Information Centre, Aladdin’s Cave, Creasey’s Toy Shop, Josef's, Miss Nob and Fletcher's Sports.
Nominations, which should include the name of the person being nominated, which company or organisation they are from, the amount being pledged and a contact number for the nominator, should be sent to John Hollis at john@theseaside.gg by 7 November. Only the successful nomination will be asked to donate their pledge.
