Festive fleet ready to pick up trees to raise hospice funds

Businesses in Ashford together with volunteers for Pilgrims Hospices are getting ready to form one big festive fleet this Christmas to raise funds for the charity.

Companies across the town – including Givaudan, PSR Lighting & Signs, Medash, Countrystyle, Waitrose and Orbital Marketing Services, as well as Pilgrims’ very own retail team – have pledged their support to drive 19 vans to collect real trees when the Christmas season is over, as part of the charity’s annual Christmas tree recycling collection.

Last year the scheme generated £17,000 towards the vital work of the hospice, and the charity says the response to this year’s appeal for local support has been even better.

Richard Foulger, the campaign’s volunteer co-ordinator, said: “Pilgrims volunteers can collect your tree on the weekend of January 13 and 14 in return for a donation of your choice and take it away for recycling by Ashford Borough Council at the Cobbs Wood recycling centre.

“This is the sixth year we have collected trees from people’s homes and each year we have seen more and more residents taking advantage of the scheme.

“We started in 2011 with a crew of six vans and have seen this grow year on year.”

The tree recycling vans can now visit more than 1,500 homes including those in Rolvenden, Wittersham, Charing, Chilham and Smeeth, as well as the towns of Ashford and Tenterden.

Mrs Kelly Burlton, head teacher at High Halden Primary School, has already registered the school’s tree for collection.

She said: “The tree recycling scheme offers a hassle-free disposal service, with no mess or fuss.

“It is environmentally friendly whilst raising funds for a local charity.”

To register your tree for collection visit www.pilgrims hospices.org/treecycling complete the online booking form and make your chosen donation. Alternatively call 01233 504111

Businesses across Ashford are providing vehicles to support the Pilgrims Hospices Christmas tree recycling campaign