Crop of Christmas trees leads to funding boost for hospice

Collecting and recycling a bumper crop of Christmas trees has raised much-needed funds for a local charity.

In a break from their usual activities St Nicholas Hospice Care’s house clearance team had a busy start to the New Year thanks to their Christmas tree collection service.

The team of four had their hands full as they picked up 310 trees from homes across the Bury St Edmunds area and surrounding villages.

Staff spent time last week driving around the town and surrounding villages collecting old trees from people’s doorsteps with residents, if they would like to, making a donation for the service which saved them a trip to the tip.

Through donations, some of which included Gift Aid, the team were able to raise £2,011 for the hospice which provides care and support for those living with caring, dying, death and bereavement.

Darren Devine, the hospice’s house clearance and retail support manager, said: “Once again we’ve had a good year collecting more trees then we did last year. The great thing about this service is that people have been able to support the hospice and at the same time had the hassle of what to do with their real Christmas tree taken out of their hands.”

All the trees which were collected, including ones which had to be cut into three sections to fit in the van, were taken to Culford Waste, where, thanks to the firm’s generosity, they were recycled at no charge to the hospice.

“We are so grateful to Culford Waste for once again agreeing to support this service. Their support means that all the funds raised from this initiative will help the charity continue to care for people we help across the community,” added Darren.

Following their festive clean-up efforts the house clearance team will be returning to their day-to-day activities. If you are interested in the service you can call 01284 747622 to book a free quotation or email houseclearance@stnh.org.uk

Pictured above are members of the hospice’s house clearance team dropping trees off at Culford Waste.