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Used Christmas trees from across Suffolk will be turned into woodchip for bears at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park, thanks to an initiative by two local hospices. The 'Tree-cycling' scheme brings together volunteers from major companies to support vital hospice care in the region.
Why it matters: The partnership between St Elizabeth Hospice and East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) offers residents an environmentally friendly way to dispose of their Christmas trees while supporting essential care services in the community.
The big picture: This is the fourth year of the initiative, which:
Covers 19 postcode areas across Suffolk, including the whole of Ipswich
Uses volunteer teams from Amazon, Cadent Gas, Jackson Civil and Medequip
Turns discarded festive trees into practical materials for local wildlife
Raises funds for two hospices providing critical care services

What they're saying: "It's an amazing thing to be part of, and the money we raise is a phenomenal amount – funds that go such a long way to helping us continue our vital care and support," said EACH's Community Fundraising Manager, Tina Burdett.
Kelly Nekrews, community fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice, added: "Please do join our 'tree-cycling' scheme this year and turn your festive clean-up into a gift that gives back to two important charities in your local area."
How it works:
Registration is open from 15 November to 5 January 2025
Collections take place on 9 and 10 January
Available to homes in postcode areas IP1-18 and CO11
Donations are encouraged to support both hospices
The bottom line: Residents can register their trees for collection at www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/be-a-star/fundraising/treecycling/

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