Ipswich's only independent news website
We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking
A joint initiative between St Elizabeth Hospice and East Anglia's Children's Hospices has marked its fourth year by collecting a record number of Christmas trees while raising vital funds for patient care.
The big picture: More than 1,300 Christmas trees were collected from homes, businesses and organisations across Ipswich, Felixstowe, Stowmarket and surrounding areas on 9 and 10 January, raising over £24,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice and East Anglia's Children's Hospices.
Why it matters: The £24,000 raised will help fund vital free services for adults with life-limiting illnesses and children with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia.
How it works:
Residents donate money in exchange for tree collection
Trees are collected by hospice teams and volunteers
Eastwood Trees chips the collected trees
Woodchip is provided to Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park for their bears
Behind the scenes: The collection effort was supported by volunteers from major organisations, including Amazon, Flagship Housing, Kier Group, Network Rail, BT Open Reach, Our House and Medequip.
What they're saying: Kelly Nekrews, community fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice, called the initiative "a real difference to both hospices in such an environmentally green initiative."
EACH's Community Fundraising Manager, Tina Burdett, noted: "This is our most successful year so far, and we're grateful beyond words to everyone who makes it an incredible fundraiser for both charities."
The bottom line: Through community support and the effort of generous volunteers, unwanted Christmas trees have been transformed into £24,000 of essential hospice care across East Anglia. And they say money doesn't grow on trees.
We can't do this without you!
If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year
