The Firefly Appeal – sponsor a Firefly at Dorothy House in celebration of a loved one

DOROTHY House have just launched a new appeal, ‘The Firefly Appeal’, to raise funds in a unique way. 

“This is your opportunity to be part of something truly unique,” says the charity. “Sponsor a handmade firefly by award winning artist Bruce Munro for one year and support those in our community that need our help now. 

“As fundraising income at Dorothy House continues to decline this financial year, we are asking for our community to sponsor a Firefly in celebration of one you love. Each Firefly is unique and your donations will help those in our community continue to receive the outstanding end of life and palliative care they need. 

“Soon to be nestled amongst the woodland at Winsley are 400 luminous Fireflies, crafted with loving kindness by award winning artist Bruce Munro. Each Firefly is a symbol of hope and celebration, each representing a loved one. 

“Bruce Munro is famous for his amazing large scale light installations, and has created one of his ‘Firefly’ displays just for Dorothy House. The Fireflies will be installed amongst the woods in the grounds of Winsley. The breath-taking Fireflies will create a tranquil space to wander amongst and enjoy. 

“The Firefly Appeal, in aid of Dorothy House, is a chance to sponsor a bright and brilliant Firefly for one year. A wonderful way to celebrate the life of someone you love. 

“Each of the Fireflies are unique and special, just like those we hold dearest. Those who sponsor a Firefly will be invited to the grounds for an exclusive evening event where there will be time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and be introduced to the Fireflies. Together, we’ll celebrate our loved ones and hear a speech by Spiritual Support Lead, Dave Smith. 

“During their year of sponsorship, Firefly sponsors can come to the grounds and spend time immersed in the Fireflies, a harmonious and calm place. This space can be used to have moments for joyful reflection on the life of their loved ones. 

“Sponsoring a Firefly will help to provide our community with outstanding end of life and palliative care. Your donation helps to ensure that our patients live with dignity and families and carers are given the support they urgently need. 

“Once you’ve sponsored your Firefly, you’ll be invited to join the Firefly Community on our online celebration page. There you’ll be able to share a special thought about your loved one and, if you’d like, a picture as well. 

“Bruce Munro is a world-renowned artist and has exhibited his incredible large scale light installations across the globe. Local works include bespoke commissions at the RUH and the Holburne Museum, where his Field of Light display was exhibited. In Uluru, Australia, the place that inspired Field of Light, the installation is displayed indefinitely, such is its popularity. Field of Light, Sensorio, was voted number 6 in the New York Times, ‘52 must see things to do in the US in 2020’.”

The Firefly Woods evening event will be held at the grounds of Dorothy House in Winsley on 16, 17 and 18 September. 

Sign up at www.dorothy house.org.uk/firefly-appeal/