The Thames Valley region has demonstrated remarkable community spirit and environmental consciousness through its enthusiastic participation in Sue Ryder's annual Christmas Treecycling scheme. This innovative, eco-friendly fundraising initiative has successfully concluded, generating significant funds to support vital palliative and bereavement care services across the area.
A Flourishing Fundraiser with Environmental Benefits
This year's campaign saw a dedicated team of 81 volunteers, including employees from various local businesses, collect an impressive total of 1,758 real Christmas trees directly from residents' homes, gardens, and driveways. Through optional donations made by participating households, the scheme raised a substantial £27,356. These funds are crucial for enabling Sue Ryder to extend its expert care, advice, and compassionate support to individuals and families facing serious illness, death, and grief, ensuring no one has to endure these challenges alone.
Beyond the charitable impact, the scheme champions environmental sustainability. All collected trees are 100% recyclable. They are processed into compost or wood chippings, which are then repurposed within local parks and woodlands or utilised to generate green energy, completing a virtuous cycle of community support and ecological responsibility.
Volunteer Power and Community Collaboration
The success of the Treecycling operation hinges entirely on volunteer dedication and community partnerships. Owen Chengun, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, expressed profound gratitude for the collective effort.
"We want to say an enormous thank you to everyone who signed up and helped our Christmas Treecycling scheme flourish," said Chengun. "By choosing to recycle your real tree with an optional donation to Sue Ryder, your Christmas tree has become the gift of expert care."
He specifically highlighted the essential support from Rabbits Vehicle Hire, which generously donated five vans free of charge for ten days, and the invaluable assistance from several local businesses and groups that facilitated the collections.
George Rapson, General Manager at Rabbits Vehicle Hire, commented on the initiative's community value: "We’re thrilled to support Sue Ryder’s Treecycling initiative again this year. It’s fantastic to see the community coming together to make such a real difference."
Sue Ryder's Vital Care Services
The funds raised will directly bolster Sue Ryder's palliative and bereavement care services. Last year, the charity provided support to thousands of families nationwide, including through its local hubs like the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice and the Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire. Their comprehensive bereavement support network includes an online community forum and the recently established Grief Kind Spaces.
The Thames Valley Christmas Treecycling scheme stands as a powerful testament to how community action, environmental stewardship, and charitable giving can intertwine to create meaningful, lasting impact for both people and the planet.
