An eco-friendly fundraising initiative has raised thousands of pounds for Sue Ryder, the national healthcare and bereavement charity.
This year’s Christmas Tree-cycling scheme, which collected real Christmas trees in exchange for an optional donation, saw a team of volunteers ‘branch’ out to selected postcodes.
Throughout Bedfordshire, 1,494 trees were collected, helping to raise £22,779. This contributed to a grand total of 9,775 trees collected and £166,777 donated overall across the charity’s six initiatives across the country.
The money raised equates to 6,671 hours of care, helping Sue Ryder reach more people when they really need it, so no one is left to grieve or die alone.
Trees collected in the Borough will be chipped and used to make compost by local company Growing Beds. Bartlett Tree Services chipped the remaining trees, with the mulch being spread across the grounds and gardens of the Shuttleworth collection point.
Nick Burr, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice said: “We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who signed up and helped our Christmas Treecycling scheme flourish.
“As Sue Ryder continues to face rising costs to deliver its care, and with the increasing number of people in need of our support, your 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 Sue Ryder Christmas Treecycling Scheme relies entirely on the power of volunteers. Thank you to all the businesses and groups who helped with the collections: Welch Group, Mint Construction, Gary’s Gardening Services, Solid Steel, AutoGlass, M&DH, Bartlett Tree Experts, HBC Logistics, GBRS Ltd, Shuttleworth Collection & Gardens, AMEY and Truesilver.
“Around 65 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 St John’s Hospice. The charity also offers bereavement support through its online community forum, free bereavement counselling service and Grief Kind Spaces in Bedfordshire, and other parts of the country.
