Friday evening the campaign’s symbol shone more than 100 metres high from the Post Tower over Bonn and the region. “Deutsche Post DHL has supported the GA welfare organisation for many years through various activities. We thank them very much,” said Bernd Leyendecker, chairman of the Weihnachtslicht society. Anyone who missed the flame of solidarity for the fundraising campaign or who would like to see it again can do so on Saturday evening. The flame will shine out in the Post Tower colours from 8pm until midnight.

For a fun way of donating to the campaign, head to the Kipp family’s pyramid at the Bonn Christmas markets on Friedensplatz. For years, the pyramid has been one of the attractions of the Christmas market and a meeting point for lovers of a good glühwein. This year, boss Claudia Kipp has thought of something special to support the Weihnachtslicht campaign.

She is selling 2000 bright red Santa hats to her customers at the Bonn Christmas markets for 3 euros each. “I will transfer the complete amount raised to the Weihnachtslicht. The campaign is really great and deserves to be supported,” says the high-spirited show-woman. Bernd Leyendecker is already thanking Kipp and appealing to visitors: “Buy the hats, because then you are doing something really good; with 6000 euros we can bring great joy to many old and needy fellow citizens.”

To make the Santa hat sale more fun, Kipp has planned a Christmas party for the evening of St Nicholas Day, 6 December, with a surprise star guest and live music from 7pm.

The 2016/2017 campaign is in full swing and donations can be made at the General-Anzeiger branch offices at Bonner Bottlerplatz, Koblenzer Straße 61 in Bad Godesberg, Markt 45a in Siegburg and Hauptstraße 38 d in Bad Honnef.

Donations can also be paid directly to account number 4770, Sparkasse Köln-Bonn (BLZ 370 501 98): Iban: DE76 3705 0198 0000 004770, Bic: COLS­DE 33.

(Original text: ga; Anke Vehmeier; kc. Translated by Kate Carey)