CHARITIES across Evesham have paid tribute to organisers of the town’s popular Tree of Light celebrations ahead of the the fund-raising drive kicking off for this year’s event.
The Evesham Tree of Light was launched in 1998 by the Rotary Club of Evesham and provides the opportunity for local residents to remember a loved one at Christmas, whilst raising funds for local charities and good causes.
Having marked 20 successful years of the campaign at the close of 2018, the Evesham Tree of Light Appeal successfully donates around £15,000 a year back to the community.
Among those to benefit is the local Caring Hands in the Vale charity, which continually seeks to help relieve poverty throughout Evesham, delivering food parcels, toiletry packs, bedding, clothing and blankets free of charge to members of the community depending on their circumstances.
Charity chief Diane Bennett, said: “The Tree of Light have done wonders for the charity for a number of years now.
“Quite simply, they have allowed us to continue with our work within the community and help tackle poverty across Worcestershire.
“For example, with the donations, we can purchase high-quality food for the food parcels and offer a balanced, nutritious range of products.”
“The charity greatly appreciates all the wonderful work they have done since our partnership.
“The concept reflects the importance of community connection and engages with local people, giving them the opportunity for their loved ones to be remembered. That local connection is important and is the reason the Tree of Light has been so successful in helping so many local charities including ourselves.”
Other charities who continue to receive support from the appeal include Freedom Day Centre and Disco, St Richard’s Hospice, Acorns Children’s Hospice, Working World a unique training centre for adults with learning disabilities and South Worcestershire Citizen’s Advice Service.
John Darby, chairman of the Evesham Tree of Light appeal, said: “Over the last 21 years, the Evesham Tree of Light Appeal has helped over 80 charities and good causes through the kind donations that we receive from those who want to remember a loved one at Christmas.”
“For the 2019 – 2020 campaign, we are working hard to showcase the benefits of donating to the appeal in a bid to help even more local causes.
“Evesham is home to so many incredible local charities who receive no funding and simply rely on the support of members of the local public and through donations like that provided by the Tree of Light.”
Everyone who chooses to donate receives a personal thank you card from the Tree of Light, where all names of those remembered are published in the Tree of Light Book of Remembrance, which is displayed annually in the town library.
The Evesham Tree of Light is supported by the Rotary Club of Evesham, which is committed to helping good causes both on a local and global scale.
Visit www.therotaryclubofevesham.org.uk for more.
