‘Tree-cycling’ raises over £9,500
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and St Elizabeth Hospice have thanked the local community for their support, after they helped the hospices’ joint Christmas tree recycling scheme – ‘Tree-cycling’ – raise £9,713 for the two charities.
Taking place between 12th and 13th January, Tree-cycling saw staff and volunteers from both hospices collect more than 780 Christmas trees from homes, businesses and organisations throughout Ipswich, Felixstowe, Stowmarket and the surrounding area, with each supporter making a donation to the charities in exchange for collection of their trees.
The total raised surpasses the £7,343 raised by Tree-Cycling 2022, which is an annual initiative run by the Just-Helping organisation.
Celia Joseph, Community Relationships Fundraising Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “A big thank you to all the businesses, such as Amazon, Palmer & Partners, Cadent Gas and Medequip, as well hospice supporters and volunteers who helped with the Tree-cycling service this year.
“It was brilliant to see such fantastic community support for the two hospices, which has led to a brilliant amount being raised. These funds will make a big difference in helping both children and adults under the care of the two charities and we look forward to working with EACH again in the future.”
As well as hospice volunteers and staff, volunteers from local companies took part in the tree recycling activities, collecting the trees and delivering them to Eastwood Tree Services, Trimley Sports and Social Club, Ipswich Golf Club and Deben Community Farm, where they were recycled and turned into mulch. While Rapid Relief provided free lunches to all who helped with the ‘tree-cycling’ process on 12th and 13th January.
Alison Butler, EACH Community Fundraiser for Suffolk and East Essex, said: “We’re thrilled to have raised such a fantastic amount of money – funds that will make a real difference to so many people.
“Our thanks go to everyone who made this possible, not least those who signed up for our recycling service and donated so generously.
“We’re also very grateful to those who selflessly gave up their time to support us and, once again, very much enjoyed working with our friends at St Elizabeth Hospice.
“This scheme is a perfect example of both fantastic collaboration and genuine community spirit. It’s a pleasure to be involved.”
Funds raised by Tree-cycling will go towards St Elizabeth Hospice and EACH. With St Elizabeth Hospice providing vital free services to improve life for people living with a progressive or life limiting illness throughout East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.
While EACH supports families and provides care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.
