Tree collectors aim for £1 million
A £10 NOTE invested to help raise funds for a church organ almost two decades ago could lead to a £1m jackpot for East Cheshire Hospice.
That is the target organisers of the charity’s hugely-successful Christmas Tree Collection scheme are hoping to reach in the next few weeks.
In 1999, Heather and Pete Chapman had an idea to collect trees to help buy a new organ at Prestbury Church where son Andy, sang in the choir.
The tenner paid for the petrol for the family trailer to carry trees and the rest is history. More than 70,000 trees later, fundraising initiative is preparing for its 19th year.
The collection is on January 12 and January 13, covering Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Bollington, Prestbury, Poynton, Congleton and Knutsford. The post codes are CW12, SK9, SK10, SK11, SK12 and WA16.
To register visit www. echtrees.org.uk or call 01625 708939.
Co-founder Richard Raymond said: “We’re excited by the opportunity to break through the £1m barrier in funds raised for the hospice and this year will hope to collect more than 7,000 trees for the first time.
“It’s a massive community effort which relies entirely on the public support and we thank everyone for their donations in lieu of collecting their trees.”
Transport technology company TRU is providing sophisticated route-mapping software to simplify this logistical challenge.
TRU owner Chris Sisson said: “We’re delighted to lend our expertise and skills to reduce costs and make sure all data and consent is secure and managed correctly for consumers.
“We also take into account sustainability and environmental factors.
“We’re a little cog in a fun thing to do for a wonderful cause.”