Today marks the 12th annual Tree of Angels ceremony – a warm and gentle coming together of Hunter residents whose lives have been changed by crime, sudden death and tragedy.
“People who have been impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault or violent crime, they feel life has absolutely changed and Christmas can be a very hard time,” Ms Cotterell-Jones said.
Past attendees have experienced a range of traumatic events, from surviving domestic violence, to losing a child to sudden infant death syndrome, to having a friend killed in a car crash.
“After tragedy, no-one is supposed to talk about it, you’re supposed to get over it and move on. This provides a feeling of unity, of ‘Gosh, there are people around who get it’. It is okay to be there and honour and remember a loved one.” Ms Cotterell-Jones said.
An honour roll will be read and attendees will be invited to place an angel on the tree.
You can join us at the St John’s Anglican Church, Cook Hill from 6:30pm.
Attendees can bring an angel or purchase one for $5. The ceremony will be followed by a light supper for $10.
Victim support specialists Kerrie Thompson, left, and Sarah Noakes, right. Picture: Jonathan Carroll. (Image Copyright, The Herald)
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