BUY A TREE AND SAVE A LIFE

Sandton may boast a balmy December climate, but it will exhibit it’s own winter wonderland this month. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) will be holding their 7th Annual Festival of Christmas Trees from the 17th of November until the 10th of December 2006 in the Sandton City Upper Fountain Court. This exciting holiday event is generously hosted by Sandton City and this year SADAG is breaking with tradition and is going to be bringing you a Festival with a Difference!

Alongside top companies, some of South Africa's favourite celebrities will be decorating their own trees. Stars like Nicole Fox, Michelle Garforth, Kerry McGregor, Emannuel Castis, Graeme Richards, Batsetsane Khumalo, Lillian Dube, Leanne Mallis and Chi Chi Letswalo were in Sandton City on the 16th of November from 5pm until 7pm decorating their very own trees in special mystery themes.

The trees are on display from the 17th of November until the 10th of December where members of the public will be able to buy beautifully decorated trees, take part in a silent auction for one of the celebrity trees, vote for your favourite tree, or simply enjoy browsing the many different trees with various exciting themes. Three fabulous raffle trees will be up for grabs and there is something for everyone.

The money raised from the sale of these trees will be donated to the South African Depression and Anxiety Support Group, the largest non-profit mental health support group in Africa. The money raised last year enabled the group to continue educating the public and destigmatizing disorders like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and other related illnesses, and to continue the fight against suicide

For people who are suffering from depression Christmas can be the loneliest time of the year and a period to be dreaded. Christmas makes people who are depressed feel more isolated than ever, as depression makes it very difficult to chat or to mingle, to feel part of a throng or to share any joy in company. The festive season can also be rather stressful, and for people with anxiety or mood disorders, the disruption of normal routine, the crowds, the shopping and all the preparations can seem too much. Through all the celebrations, it is important to remember that Christmas is a time of giving and a time to remember those who may not be as fortunate.