In just one day more than 500 pre-loved Christmas trees were collected from our local community - in our first ever recycling scheme. 

On Saturday 9 January 2021 hospice volunteers were collecting Christmas trees from outside households in IG7, IG8, IG9, IG10, E18 and E4. With all fundraising events currently cancelled and our charity shops closed due to COVID restrictions, the scheme generated vital income for Haven House. 

   

The collections wouldn’t have been possible without our volunteers, who operated in bubbles to make pickups safe and achievable, and who provided a chipper to dispose of the trees - despite the bitter cold weather. 

Ginny Donnelly, Haven House Community Fundraiser, said: We’re incredibly grateful to all who booked a tree collection with us and has helped to make our first year a great success. The generosity from our local community never ceases to amaze us. We hope the scheme will grow year on year.

''The scheme has helped us to get off to a good start to the year, but the reality is we are struggling to plan any other major fundraisers at this time. We rely on the generosity of supporters to keep our services running and we ask for their continued support so we can be here for children and families who need us, through COVID and beyond.''

We will be running the scheme again next Christmas 2021. Bookings will open in November time. 

Thank you to the following companies for giving up your time and supporting our hospice: Essex Tree Specialists, Breyer Group, Montana Kitchens, Goodgym, MRM Mechanical and Constriction Services and Access Plant Hire and Sales.