Calon Hearts, a local Welsh charity dedicated to supporting heart health across Wales is really upset to announce the possible cancellation of this year’s highly anticipated Christmas Lights event in Llandaff.
The decision comes after facing staggering council costs that have made it currently impossible to go ahead with the much loved event.
Without a sponsor, this event will have to be called. The funds we raise through this event help to fund free heart screening events, and we are not in receipt of any government funds.
The event, which has brought joy to the community and vital exposure to the charity in previous years, will leave many residents and visitors disappointed. The possible cancellation also presents a significant blow to Calon Hearts’ fundraising efforts, as the charity heavily relies on the exposure and donations generated through public events like this to continue its life-saving work.
This is the ‘Christmas Hearts of Gold Campaign’ which is a campaign to remember and honour loved ones at Christmas.
Sharon Owen, Director of Calon Hearts, expressed her concerns about the broader impact this could have on the community. She said:
‘We are heartbroken to have to possibly cancel this year’s Christmas Lights event. This has been a key part of our local festivities, and many families and businesses look forward to it every year. The council’s eye-wateringly high costs are making it unfeasible for smaller organisations like ours to host these events, which not only bring the community together but also help charities like Calon Hearts raise essential funds.
We urge the council to think again about the impact their decisions will have—not just on our charity, but on many other local events that are under threat. We understand times are tough, but cancelling events like this leaves our community with a serious lack of festive cheer’.
With the possible cancellation of this year’s event, Calon Hearts is calling on the public to continue supporting their work in other ways, whether through donations or attending future events.
Costs to fund event:
1 x supervisor: £196
6 x staff: £1050
ttro (road closure legal order): £3000
Truck cost: £450
kit use: £250
Total Costs for 15.11.24 : £4946 plus VAT
Calon Hearts is proud to offer FREE Heart Screening sessions for 16-25 year olds across the country! For anyone over 26 years old, we offer subsidised part-funded Heart Screenings for £280. To book, please click here.
We also have a Charity Grant Scheme for Defibrillators for only £650. To apply for a defibrillator, click here.
