Charities involved in helping Bermuda’s seniors are being encouraged to enter the annual fundraising Christmas tree decorating competition.

Now in its fifth year, the contest raises money and awareness for the island’s charities.

Formerly the Catlin Christmas Tree Event, the popular competition will this year be sponsored by Sun Life Financial. The trees will again be displayed in the new section of the Washington Mall in early December.

Organiser Suzanne DeCouto told The Royal Gazette: “This year, we are asking charities that focus on seniors to apply. Last year, we did it for government primary schools and for sporting associations and other events for charities in general.

“The stipulation this year is they must be a registered charity. The charities may not focus completely on seniors, but will have a part of their charity that deals with seniors — it could be nursing homes and care homes that are registered charities and transportation services.”

Some 12 charities will be accepted as finalists to decorate their tree around the theme of the work that they do. First, second and third places will receive monetary prizes. Each accepted entrant will automatically be awarded $500. Ms DeCouto added: “We are focusing on the little charities — sometimes they don’t get a chance to fundraise or they don’t have the manpower and this is an easy way for them to do some fundraising.

“It is also a great way to let the community know what you are doing.”

Anyone wishing to apply for a chance to take part in the competition can contact Ms DeCouto for an application form on suzanne@tbinet.bm There are also forms in the Washington Properties in the mall.

Applications open on November 3 and will remain open for about three weeks.