Rotary hails public generosity for tree of remembrance appeal

The Rotary Club of Athlone has paid tribute to the generosity of the public this year to their annual tree of remembrance appeal.

Running since 2010, ribbons with the names of loved ones, who are no longer with us or who would not be home for Christmas, are placed on the tree and a donation is made to charity.

This year the tree was in aid of the Midland Simon Community and the Order of Malta as well as Rotary charities.

Members of Rotary and volunteers from the Order of Malta along with available personnel from Simon conducted the collections over seven days running up to Christmas from six collection points throughout Athlone. The Rotary group would like to thank the businesses who facilitated these collections.

This year some of the collection points had 'sum up' mini-computers which enabled people who did not carry cash to click the amount of their donation by card or phone. It was also possible to donate online through a Rotary app or on a GoFundMe page.

“Despite Covid people have been very generous in supporting these worthy charities. It has been one of our best years ever. The tree was organised by local pharmacist Philip McGorisk who had a strong team supporting him," Athlone Rotary President Des Campbell said.

Under the directions of Paddy Deavy, Sean O’Laoide organised a team to erect the yellow and gold ribbons with the names of loved ones written on them in the Civic Square next to St Mary’s Church. The ribbons will be on display until after the New Year. An interdenominational Service with carol singing took place on Christmas Eve in front of the tree conducted by local clergy.

The tradition of the remembrance tree is now well established and Athlone Rotary are planning to run its 13th one next year. It will again be in aid of two local charities and Rotary charities.