Kind-hearted residents have the chance to turn their festive firs into vital funds by signing up for a popular tree recycling service.
The scheme is being run by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), and hopes are high of smashing last year’s record-breaking total of £43,983.
Registration opened earlier today, and the charity’s army of volunteers are now visiting more homes than ever before.
Trees are collected and then recycled – meaning no hassle and no waste. In exchange, residents are asked to make a donation.
“The season of goodwill doesn’t have to end when the decorations come down,” said Tina Burdett, EACH’s Community Fundraising Manager.
“By signing up you’re not just helping the environment – you’re helping children and families across our community.
“Every penny raised will help fund our specialist care and support, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who takes part.
“Last year was our busiest and most successful year yet, and the funds raised through our tree recycling service help us continue to offer our vital services – from symptom management and counselling to memory-making and end-of-life care.
“Old, unwanted trees can therefore become something truly beautiful – a gift that helps families make the most of the time they have together.”
January’s total smashed the 2024 total of £29,000, which was a 17% increase on 2023.
The team are now extending their reach by collect from even more addresses across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and now Essex.
The service covers a number of postcodes. Click here to register and see which areas are covered.
The Suffolk project, run in conjunction with St Elizabeth Hospice and sponsored by Jackson Civil, now includes the Essex postcodes of CO11 and CO12.
The environmentally-friendly initiative is being run in partnership with Just Helping, and the collection dates are 8th and 9th January. Registration closes on 4th January.
Meanwhile, Tina would love to hear from any corporate or community volunteers who might be willing to help with the campaign.
“Anyone who can spare even half a day can make a real difference,” she said.
“We’re also looking for anyone that could use large quantities of free wood chippings.
“To get in touch, or for any further information about our tree recycling service, email community@each.org.uk.”
