THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised for a national healthcare and bereavement charity, just by recycling Christmas trees.
Sue Ryder thanks all the Berkshire communities who supported its Christmas Treecycling scheme.
The green fundraising initiative saw a team of volunteers from Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading visit selected postcodes, collecting residents’ post Christmas real trees for an optional donation.
1,100 trees were collected in the Thames Valley, helping to raise £19,254.
Nationally, 9,775 trees were collected and £166,777 donated across the charity’s six initiatives across the country.
This will provide 6,671 hours of care, and will help Sue Ryder reach more people when they really need it, so that no-one needs to grieve or die alone.
Real Christmas trees are 100% recyclable, and can be chipped and then used by councils in a range of landscaping schemes.
By participating in the Treecycling scheme, borough residents not only contributed to Sue Ryder, but also helped reduce landfill and support sustainability.
Sue Soffe, Sue Ryder senior community fundraiser, said: “We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who signed up and helped our Christmas Treecycling scheme flourish.
“As we continue to face rising costs to deliver care, and with the increasing number of people in need of our support, contributions are more crucial than ever.
“Your participation helps us be there for more people during the most challenging times of their lives.
“The success of the scheme relies entirely on the power of our volunteers.
And thank you to all the businesses and groups who helped with the collections: Rabbits Vehicle Hire, Vidett, Cisco, Grundon, A1, Snap-on, and Veolia.
“An amazing 38 volunteers offered their time to support the collections, making this incredible fundraising achievement possible.”
Last year, Sue Ryder provided palliative care to thousands of families across the country, including at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.
The charity also offers bereavement support through its online community forum, a free bereavement counselling service and borough Grief Kind Spaces in Reading, Thatcham, and Finchampstead.
For more information visit: sueryder.org
