'Pines for Pounds' Christmas tree collection raises thousands for Weston hospice
It's the third 'Pines for Pounds' run by Weston Hospicecare - with their collection happening on January 7th
The 'Twixmas period is a strange one, it's a time of forlornness as the reality that the festive period is coming to an end kicks-in.
What could be more of a visual representation of that than the show that than the slowly-wilting tree in the corner where presents used to stand proudly? Well, for those in Weston thinking about the future fate of their Christmas tree, a local hospice may have the solution.
Now in its third year, the annual 'Pines for Pounds' Christmas tree collection initiative is back for 2023. Working with a number of local organisations, they collect old Christmas trees for the price of a small donation to the hospice.
So far, it's a campaign that's raised thousands of pounds for the organisation who rely on donations for the majority of their operations - with a staggering 80% of all their expenditure funded by the generosity of organisations and the local community.
Made possible by those in Weston, Axbridge & District, Mendip and Burnham-on-Sea, this year's collection is set to take place covering the BS22, BS23, BS24, BS25, BS26, BS27, BS29, BS40, BS49, TA8 and TA9 postcodes on January 7th.
It's an initiative coordinated by Weston Rotary, with support from other local Rotary clubs, in support of the charity.
In doing so, the old Christmas trees are then taken away and turned into mulch and animal feed in an eco-friendly and convenient way to say goodbye to your tree, and officially mark the end of the festive season in the process.
Supporting volunteer Rotarians are Weston & Banwell Young Farmers, Enterprise, Louca Logistics, Drive Weston-super-Mare, Mercedez-Benz of Weston-super-Mare, Blue Diamond Garden Centres and David Plaister Ltd.
Rotarian Julian Matthews said, “Since Weston Rotary introduced Pounds for Pines in 2021 its success has continued grow and we are delighted!
“Raising money for the vital work of Weston Hospicecare - with the support of our generous sponsors – makes a real difference to people in our community.
“We look forward to getting out in the cold to collect hundreds of used Christmas trees in exchange for donations.”
The previous two collections have raised more than £12,000 to support the work of the hospice - which is about the same amount as one full day's worth of expenses at the hospice.
Weston Hospicecare’s Corporate Fundraising Manager, Sue Kingman, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled Weston Rotary have come back to support us with this event again after the upcoming festive period.
“The collection saves everyone with a real Christmas tree within the collecting area a trip to the recycling centre.
“It’s such a fantastic idea and saves us all a job while supporting a local charity and making a huge difference to people locally.
“A huge thank you again to Weston, Burnham-on-Sea and Axbridge Rotary Clubs, Somerset Young Farmers and all the businesses supporting this wonderful fundraising initiative”.
It costs £4.5 million each year to run the charity, with 80% of funding coming from supporters every year.
On the day of collection, supporters need to ensure the trees are placed in an obvious collection location.
You can find out more about Weston Hospicecare's 'Pines for Pounds' campaign and check-out how to organise your collection on their website.