Tree of Joy 2018 'Switch On' (29 November 2018)

Three young boys, Jacob, Joey and Riley, tonight switched on the Rotary Tree of Joy. In front of a small gathering of people most of which are involved with the Tree of Joy,  where presents are given to the less fortunate children of Guernsey, the boys lit up one of the icons of Guernsey at Christmas.

After a few words from Andy Salisbury, Community Services Chair and then a short speech from Alan Bain from Butterfield Bank, the countdown commenced. The boys all gathered around the special plunger along with Roary the Lion. “3-2-1”, the boys pressed the special button and the lights began to shine from the roundabout.

Alan thanked the tag host sites, the agencies involved in providing names, the Inner Wheel for coordinating the list and Marine & General who are instrumental in the practicalities of putting up the tree along with Bob Froome crane hire, Charlie Vaudin, the Rotary elves and of course Roary the Lion. He also thanked the press and media for their excellent coverage however he gave special thanks to Jacob, Joey and Riley.

Andy had already thanked the three sponsors, Butterfield Bank, Guernsey Gas and PwC, without which the tree could not be done. On behalf of the organisers, he gave thanks to everyone involved with the Tree of Joy especially the generous Guernsey public as they always take up the tags with the knowledge that they have brightened up a needy child’s Christmas.