St Rocco’s Hospice’s Christmas Tree Collection
Here’s the long and short of it… there were so many trees in all different sizes! From two-foot tiddlers to seven-foot whoppers, the Today Team’s volunteers encountered them all while taking part in St Rocco’s Hospice’s annual Christmas Tree Collection last Saturday.
As ever, working in the delivery business, it was an early start – up and about before most people have even put the kettle on for the first brew of the day – but, with more than 180 trees to collect from postcodes across Warrington, we had to get behind the wheel pretty sharpish!
The plummeting temperatures had our office staff reaching for their winter woollies; after all, it was a bit of a shock to the system for them, as they’ve become accustomed to more, shall we say, ‘balmy’ conditions at our Risley HQ!
It never ceases to amaze me how the Warrington community always rises to the occasion when there’s a great cause to get behind and, as great causes go, they rarely come better than St Rocco’s. The Hospice has been caring for people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as supporting their families, since 1985; there’s always a constant need to fundraise to ensure this vital service remains operational, and the Fundraising Team are a real credit to the organisation with their continued creativity.
Like all the best ideas, their Christmas Tree Collection Scheme is so simple, but it really does make a HUGE difference. (Last year alone, it generated £24,000 in funds, and I’ve heard exciting news that this year’s total is even bigger!) In exchange for a donation to the Hospice, Warrington residents were able to have their real Christmas tree collected from their homes and taken away for recycling – freeing up their floorspace; helping the environment; and assisting people at the most vulnerable time of their lives in the process.
Altogether, more than 2,000 people registered for a collection and we’re so proud to have contributed to a record-breaking team effort that saw more companies and individuals than ever take part in the logistics operation. We had three vans out on the road – one of which is in our new brand colour of blue – that were helmed by myself, Paul Green, Steven Whitehead, Tina Newton, Liz Daniels and Richard Acton.
We all genuinely enjoyed taking part and, as well as thanking my team personally, I would also like to thank Community Fundraiser Katie Lawson and all the St Rocco’s Team for the opportunity to get involved!
Best wishes,
Jamie
