Tree-mendous effort sets record!
A RECORD total of more than £100,000 was raised from this year’s East Cheshire Hospice Christmas tree collection.
Organisers report a ten per cent increase in donations – thanks to the generosity of the public and the hard work of around 250 volunteers, who braved a wet and cold weekend in early January to help the charity.
Some 6,800 trees were collected across eastern parts of Cheshire, which means the average donation for each tree was almost £11.
The exact total will be known once final Gift Aid contributions are added.
Co-organiser Richard Raymond said: “It’s a fantastic result and the tree collection has become a real community fundraising event for East Cheshire Hospice just after Christmas.
“Our collection has grown in all areas and during the 16 years it’s been running has become the choice of many to have their Christmas tree recycled this way, and at the same time to help the hospice.
“The organisers would like to thank everyone who made a donation and the band of volunteers who make it all possible.
“All donations go to the hospice because of the backing of our sponsors and supporters.”
Anyone who had their tree collected but has not yet made a donation can contact Richard on 01625 612025. Next year’s collection will be on January 14 and 15.
Cheshire Vehicle Rentals supplied more than half the vehicle fleet and AstraZeneca, FDR Law, Arighi Bianchi, Ashfield Healthcare Communications and LoveLive Graphics were among other businesses to provide support.