Salisbury Hospice Christmas Tree collections CANCELLED
The charity say they've taken the decision 'with deep regret'
More than 1,100 people had signed up to have their Christmas Tree recycled in return for a donation to Salisbury Hospice this year.
But they've now said that after 'consultation' with the team who were due to be picking up trees from today (Friday 8th January), it's been cancelled.
The decision's been made 'due to the increased risk to the public, our staff and volunteers' while we're in a third national lockdown, due to Covid-19 infection rates.
In a statement, Salisbury Hospice has said:
"Despite extensive efforts to ensure the safety of our volunteers, staff and of the local community, we have decided the risk is too great. As a critical care provider we really have a duty of care to the local population and as such feel that we should, where possible, be encouraging people to stay at home in line with Government guidance.
"We appreciate that this is very disappointing for you just as it is for our fundraising team and volunteers who have worked so hard to make preparations for this major income generator for Salisbury Hospice. We are truly sorry that we have had to make this decision but we have had to do this to protect the community during this time of emergency and increased viral transmission; we do hope you will agree that this is an important step to prevent further spread of the coronavirus."
WHAT ABOUT DONATIONS?
Salisbury Hospice has appealed for anyone who had donated to them for the Christmas Tree recycling service to still allow them to fund the charity's work.
They've described the last year as 'one of the most challenging in their history', due to fundraising events being cancelled.
It's also thought the ongoing pandemic could mean their services are under an increased demand in the coming months.
If you do want to have your donation returned, you can contact Salisbury Hospice on 01722 416353 or email refunds@just-helping.org.uk
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR TREE
If you had signed up to the service, and now have a tree that needs to be disposed of responsibly, the advice is:
- Place your tree alongside garden waste bins during any scheduled collection day in January and the council's contractors will collect them - please do not place them out with general waste as they will not be collected
- Take it to your local Household Recycling Centre with a pre-booked slot
- Compost your Christmas tree at home by breaking it down into smaller pieces and putting it in your home compost bin