The Christmas tree collection in aid of East Cheshire Hospice will be back to normal in January.
Registrations are now open, with organisers promoting the eco-friendly benefits of buying a real tree.
The event – over the weekend of January 14/15 – raised a record-equalling £150,000 for the Hospice last winter.
Unlike last year, Covid restrictions are not an issue for the 23rd year of the collection, which is believed to be the largest in the world!
More than £1.5m has been raised in that time, thanks to the generosity of donors and dozens of willing helpers.
Tree collectors in Broken Cross in 2022. James Chapman (left), brother Chris and Caitlin Howarth.
Volunteers will be collecting trees over East Cheshire and beyond. The post codes covered are CW12, SK9, SK10, SK11, SK12 and WA16.
The event is sponsored by local businesses, including main sponsors AstraZeneca, meaning all donations go straight to the Hospice. To register trees visit www.echtrees.org.uk.
Trees are recycled into mulch at the local Ansa Environmental Services plant before being industrially composted.
It is estimated that around 500 supporters have been donating Christmas trees regularly since the scheme began.
Organisers are hoping to mark that loyal dedication for the 25th anniversary of the project in 2025.
Co-founder Richard Raymond said: “It’s hard to believe that we’re about to reach our 23rd year of collecting Christmas trees for the Hospice.
“We wouldn’t have got this far without the generosity of owners of Christmas trees whose kind donations make such a difference to Hospice care.
“The funds raised are a significant contribution towards caring for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families and carers.
“It’s good to be back to normal again after the upheaval of the last couple of years.
“There are persuasive reasons why real trees are more eco friendly than plastic trees, most of which are manufactured in the Far East. These use low-grade plastics such as PVC which are almost impossible to recycle.
“We recycle every tree we collect into a soil improver for the benefit of Cheshire farmland.”
Collection vans will leave from the Hospice in staggered starts like last year.
Potted trees will also be collected. Richard said: “We collected about 20 last time and have someone who will grow them on to be sold next year as Christmas trees in aid of the Hospice.”
Flashback to January and Christmas tree collectors (from left), Steve Bower, Gary Richards and son Criss.
Back to all newsThank you so much for choosing to support East Cheshire Hospice. You may never know how much your gift means, but we know that it will make the world of difference to our patients and their families.
