Launceston community leaders have made a plea for another organisation to take on the city's Carols by Candlelight event before the flame is snuffed out.
The plea comes after Tamar Sunrise Rotary made the decision to step away from coordinating the iconic fundraiser after eight years.
Carols chairman Danny Gibson said the popular community event still had a strong future in new hands and the rotary club would assist a new organising group.
"It has been a really difficult decision for our club because organising Carols by Candlelight has been such a rewarding experience," he said.
"However, it feels like the time is right for us to make the opportunity available to another community group or organisation to run it given we are unable to stage the 2021 event."
The annual event was not only fun for the community, but had raised more than $100,000 for The Examiner's Empty Stocking Appeal.
Several organisations have benefited from the appeal previously including the St Vincent de Paul Society, City Mission, The Salvation Army and The Benevolent Society.
St Vincent de Paul chief executive Lara Alexander said if the fundraiser were unable to go ahead this year, the impact would be significant.
"There will be a big impact which is financial, but secondly it is also the fact this event continues to raise awareness about Christmas and supporting families in need," she said.
READ MORE: End of an era for Campbell Town IGA
"It's good to have the opportunity to think about others and how you can help those in need."
Ms Alexander said it was positive Tamar Sunrise Rotary had offered to help the next organiser.
"I just think this is an opportunity for the community to come together, and this is what the Launceston community does time and time again. I'm sure it will have a happy ending," she said.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said though the rotary club's decision was regrettable, it was understandable given the COVID-19 restrictions in place.
"It's an extremely challenging environment, particularly for volunteer event organisers," he said.
"But as the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens and I encourage other organisations in our community to step up and carry on this wonderful tradition, safe in the knowledge that the council has been an avid supporter of this event for many years and will no doubt continue to do so well into the future."
The council currently supports the Christmas event through its grants program, but Mr van Zetten said the body would not run the event.
Dana Anderson
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
