Simon to sell novel candles to raise money
Howard Lake | 22 November 2005 | News
The Simon Communities of Ireland in association with EBS Building Society has launched a Christmas candle campaign asking people who wish to support those who are homeless this Christmas to buy a Simon Candle for just ‚€5. People are being asked to consider giving the candle as a token gift this year in place of a novelty item that is not in aid of a good cause.
The ‘candle’ is actually an LED night light so it is perfectly safe to leave lighting in a window or hanging from a Christmas tree. The exclusively designed decoration will burn for 80 hours.
Speaking about the Christmas campaign, Conor Hickey from the Simon Communities of Ireland said: Our hope this Christmas is that the Simon Candle will brighten up people’s homes as well as people’s lives. It has long been a tradition in Ireland to burn a candle in the window during Christmas as a sign of welcome and this candle, which is in the form of a nightlight, can be placed in the window or hung on a tree.
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“As well as making the perfect gift the candle is decorated with the universal symbol of hope- an eternal flame – which is what the proceeds from the candle will help provide to those who will unfortunately be spending this Christmas on our streets, Mr Hickey said.
The Simon Candle, which goes on sale today, is available through EBS Building Society branches nationwide; selected Simon shops including Dublin, Waterford, Athlone, Galway, Cork and Dundalk and from Simon volunteers who will be selling them on the streets.
Commenting on the Christmas campaign Aidan Power, EBS Building Society Marketing Manager said: EBS is delighted to support this campaign by facilitating the sale of the candle in our branches across Ireland. Over the last year and a half EBS has worked in close partnership with the Simon Communities to support its Independent Living Initiative which aims to provide independent housing directly to those who are homeless. Our support for the Christmas candle campaign is another strand to this partnership,” he said. .
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.