Written by Linda Aitchison
A ‘memory’ tree installed in Wolverhampton city centre over the festive period remembering lost loved-ones has brought in £5,607 for a range of charities in its 21st year, fundraisers have announced.
The Tree of Remembrance organised by City of Wolverhampton Rotary
Club and installed at the Wulfrun Centre in Dudley Street, has become a Christmas tradition for many local people including sponsors and since
its inception has gone on to raise over £120,000 for good causes.
Shoppers were invited to leave a memorial message displayed in exchange for a £5 donation.
This year some 368 people were remembered, and thanks to donations and sponsorship from Peter Posh Menswear, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP, Treadsetters Tyres of Halesfield, Sandford Carpets & Curtains, The James Beattie Charitable Trust, The Wulfrun Centre, The Express & Star and Hollingsworth & Co Ltd Chartered Accountants the Tree of Remembrance maintained its record of boosting the funds of local good causes.
Sponsored Breaks, a local Community Interest Company recognises people who are most deserving of a free campervan holiday in the UK along with Wolverhampton MS Therapy & Oxygen Centre, which offers therapies for people with long term medical conditions, Compton Care which supports people living with incurable medical conditions and the
Rotary Club of Wolverhampton Charitable Trust which funds a range of local and international good causes were each presented with a cheque for £1,250.
Current president of City of Wolverhampton Rotary Club and Chair of the Tree of Remembrance Committee Lorraine McCarthy said: “ It was a pleasure to work with fellow Rotarians, members of the public and our sponsors on this touching fundraiser. In total £5,607 was raised and to all those who have supported this initiative in any way I extend our heartfelt thanks. We are grateful to Mayor Councillor Linda Leach for her support in launching the Tree in November 2024 and agreeing to present the cheques to our beneficiaries at a special luncheon held at South Staffs Golf Club.”
Established in 1921 The Rotary Club of the City of Wolverhampton is one of the oldest Rotary Clubs in Great Britain. The club currently has 48 members and is looking to recruit individual members as well as corporate members. If you are interested further details can
be found at the clubs website https://rotaryclubwolverhampton.co.uk/becoming-a-member-of-the-rotary-movement/ or contact Sylvia Morgan on 07488399878
Picture – from left to right Rotarians Richard Walton, Stuart Williams, Lorraine McCarthy, Peter Williams. Cheque recipients left to right Front Paula Anderson from MS Therapy Centre, back Simon Love from Sponsored Breaks CIC and Sally Wood from Compton Care.