Over a hundred people gathered at St Catherine of Siena Church in Richmond to witness the annual Tree of Hope light switch event on Friday.
The East Local Area Committee launched the annual event in 2021 to bring optimism after the pandemic.
Councillor David Barker for the Richmond Ward talked about the significance of the Tree of Hope.
He said: “It is like the end of the tunnel. We battled together, worked as a community, and got through these hard times to better times, better things for us all.”
Local groups, such as Friends of Hollinsend Park, Woodthorpe Tara, and Friends of Richmond Park, set up information stalls for the public.
People also had the opportunity to raise their issues with the local groups and seek help.
Cllr Barker also took on the role of Santa.
He said: “When my granddaughter appeared she said, ‘Grandad, no, Santa, no, Grandad.’”
The event included free activities for children, such as snacks, wreath-making, and a Santa grotto.
Wendy Robertson, 68, a retiree representing Friends of Hollinsend Park, said: “It’s nice to see our art and craft on display and being sold to local communities.”
All proceeds from the Tree of Hope event will be donated to the local charity Helping Hands.