By Cecilia Nasmith

A fundraiser that the Survivor Thrivers Breast Cancer dragon-boat team has made part of Christmas Magic in Cobourg offers you the chance to remember loved ones with health challenges – while at the same time supporting a worthy cause.

Sharyn Dunn, vice-president of the club and coordinator for fundraising events, had the idea to make a Tribute Garden as part of the display in Victoria Park.

Dunn presented her thoughts to fundraising chair Mary Anne McKay and her assistant Judith Noyes.

“They literally ran with it,” she said.

The Town of Cobourg got on board, designating a spot on the south side of Queen Street.

“They gave us one of the permanent big trees that has pink lights, and provided us with six small trees around that. We put some small rail fencing up and a sign saying it's a Tribute Garden,” she said.

It's a tribute to anyone who is struggling with, who has triumphed over, or who has passed on due to a health condition of any kind – not just cancer, but any health condition that has had an impact on their lives.

Their names and whatever message you want to share go on the special Tribute Decorations that you purchase (for a minimum donation of $5) and hang on the tree. And 100% of the proceeds go to support Ed's House, the new hospice centre north of Cobourg.

Survivor Thriver volunteers have been selling Tribute Decorations at the Farmers' Market each Saturday, and there are still two markets left – Dec. 12 and 19.

They also have volunteers at the Tribute Garden on Saturdays to sell Tribute Decorations at the site. They have found early-evening hours are busiest, when the lights go on and the families come out to admire the dazzling display, so you can find them there between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19.

Because so many people may not carry cash these days, Dunn has been in touch with representatives of Ed's House, and the plan is to have one of them present with a wireless debit-credit machine to make cashless donations.

With two weeks to go, Dunn reported, they are seeing a lot of support for the project and have already raised more than $2,000. It might be something they bring back next year for Christmas Magic in Cobourg 2021.

For Christmas Magic 2020, Dunn hopes you will make the Tribute Garden a stop as you wander through Victoria Park - to support Ed's House and to pay your own tribute to a loved one you want to remember.

And if you prefer, you can take your Tribute Decoration home with you to hang on your own tree.