Help to keep the winter lights shining bright in Aviemore
Organisers are urging supporters to help keep the festive lights shining bright in Aviemore.
The winter lights display became the community’s responsibility in 2019 when Highland Council stopped funding and handed over maintenance and installation of all 37 community owned ‘white snowflakes’ to Aviemore Community Enterprise (ACE).
Today, just 18 of these original lights are still on display.
The other lights have been purchased by ACE over the last few years using money raised from donations and ongoing fundraising. But more are in need of replacement in the not too distant future.
ACE chairwoman, Judith Bell, said: “Due to the age of the original snowflake lights – now 15 years old – it is expected that those remaining will also need replacing shortly and with the cost of a new light averaging £260 each, it will take some £5000 to do that.
“ACE is proud of what it has achieved so far, the purchase of 20 new lights over the past two years is no mean feat, especially in such challenging times.
“We have a great small team of volunteers and the regular supporters who we depend on a lot – probably too much sometimes and we owe them our deepest thanks.
“But with the purchase of the newest lights this year, the community winter lights kitty is now empty.
“Funds are trickling in through the 100 Club, fundraising stalls and a successful Sober October campaign but there’s a long way to go to reach the £5000 target.”
ACE suffered a set back when their main fundraising Race Night had to be cancelled in November. The prizes donated by local businesses for that are now being put to good use in their Christmas Online Auction.
It was launched on Black Friday (November 26) and the deadline for final bids is this Saturday evening.
Ms Bell is calling for one last push to raise funds for the lights – and bag a bargain.
Auction lots include tickets for Aviemore’s new Escape Experience, Aviemore Kart Raceway, a six months pass to Dalfaber Leisure Club, a fine dining experience in Aspects Restaurant, and much more.
One sponsor Kaz Dalby, of dogs outdoor gear supplier Bark + Ride, said: “We are lucky to live in such a fab community of brilliant businesses all pulling together despite another difficult year. What better way to celebrate our resilience by brightening up the village.
“We especially loved the kids competition ensuring younger generations feel proud and connected to their own community too.”
MKM Building Supplies (Aviemore) is another of the firms donating, and the company’s Allan Carson said: “As a new business to Aviemore it is important for us to remember we are all part of this wonderful community.
“It’s good to give.”
• Click here to access the auction and details also on Facebook and Instagram
