East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) has launched its latest Christmas tree recycling service – and hopes are high of raising a record-breaking £35,000.
Registration opened earlier today, and the charity, which provides care and support for children and families across the region, has expanded its collection area to visit more homes than ever before.
Trees are collected and recycled – meaning no hassle and no waste – and, in exchange, residents are asked to make a donation.
Last year’s scheme raised nearly £30,000, and the target this time is to smash £35,000.
“It’s an amazing thing to be part of, and the money we raise is a phenomenal amount – funds that go such a long way to helping us continue our vital care and support,” said EACH’s Community Fundraising Manager, Tina Burdett.
“Last Christmas was fabulous, and everything went so smoothly.
“Fingers crossed it’s the same this year, and we’re extending our reach by collecting from even more addresses across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
“Hopefully it leads to another record-breaking year.
“People are always supportive and generous with their donations, and, of course, it wouldn’t be possible without the army of volunteers, including many corporate friends, who give their time to help.”
The environmentally-friendly initiative is being run in partnership with Just Helping. It closes on 5th January, although may end early if capacity is reached, and collections take place on 9th and 10th January.
The service covers a large number of postcodes – click here to register and see which areas are covered – and now includes NR15, NR16 and NR17 in Norfolk, CO12 in Suffolk and PE16 and PE26 in Cambridgeshire.
The Suffolk project, run in conjunction with St Elizabeth Hospice, is being sponsored by Jackson Civil Engineering.
“Last year’s tree recycling service generated an outstanding £29,089 – a 17% increase on the 2023 total of £24,885,” added Tina.
“That, in itself, was a 20% increase on 2022. It’s been a phenomenal success, and now we’re hoping for a similarly positive response this time around. It would be amazing to hit £35,000.”
The public are asked to make a donation when registering their tree.
Any amount is welcome, but…
- £22 could give the gift of compassion, paying for a counsellor to provide emotional support to families dealing with bereavement.
- £44 could give the gift of care, paying for a nurse for two hours to provide expert nursing care to children and young people, including at end of life.
- £96 could give the gift of therapy, paying for a music therapist to deliver a therapeutic session at home, allowing a child with communication difficulties to express themselves.
