While the Bath Christmas market isn’t going ahead as normal, Paperstarlights, a regular stall holder, has launched a national campaign to bring light to people whose Christmas might not be as bright this year.
In doing so, the company has donated an array of star lights to charity Julian House to ‘Share the light’ and spread some festive cheer amongst the women and children staying at the charity’s domestic abuse refuge.
The company’s donation is part of a national campaign to ‘Share the Light’ by donating hundreds of its popular paper star lanterns to local charities in the areas where the company would normally be trading. This Christmas many markets in the UK have had to close, including Bath Christmas market. Paperstarlights have been attending Bath Christmas Market for 18 of the 20 years the Market has been running. This year would have been the Market’s 20th anniversary.
Last year Paperstarlights also raised money for Julian House from their sales at the Market through the Christmas Market’s Discovery Card incentive scheme.
Julie Cooper of Paperstarlights, said: “We were so sad not to be attending Bath Christmas Market this year. It is always such a highlight of our festive season so we were keen to give something back to the people of Bath who have always been so welcoming. We’re a small company with limited resources but a passion for what we do. We’ve lost our income – but we do have beautiful stars that can bring great pleasure and comfort and help spread light in these dark times.”
Andy Jupp of Paperstarlights said: ‘We’ve all had a tough year and many of us are feeling as if it will never end. We wanted to intervene in the darkness we’re all feeling and bring a bit of light and happiness into people’s lives.”
Jessica Gay, Senior community and Events Fundraiser at Julian House said “It’s so kind of Andy and Jules to think of local charities during a year that’s also been very difficult for their own business. After their support last year, it’s wonderful they have launched another initiative to make a positive impact and bring cheer and light to those during one of the darkest years imaginable. The women and their children in our care will be delighted with the star lights. They will add some real magic to their rooms whilst staying with us over Christmas. Thank you!”
Main picture credit:Bath Christmas Market/Paolo Ferla