Athlone Rotary launches 14th annual Tree of Remembrance fundraiser
The Rotary Club of Athlone has launched its annual 'Tree of Remembrance' Christmas fundraising campaign.
The initiative invites people to write a name or a simple message on a ribbon which is then put on the Tree of Remembrance outside Athlone's Civic Centre.
The tree provides a wonderful opportunity for people to remember loved ones (both living and those who have passed away) in the middle of the Christmas rush, while supporting worthy local charities.
This year all of the funds raised from the initiative will go to the Simon Community, The Samaritans, and Rotary Club of Athlone.
Between Wednesday, December 20, and Christmas Eve, the Tree of Remembrance will be decked with more and more coloured ribbons, creating a visual reminder of loved ones at Christmas.
A special Ecumenical carol service will be held beside the tree at 2pm on Christmas Eve, and all are welcome to attend.
The Rotary Club of Athlone is offering a number of ways in which to support these three worthy charities. People can download its Tree of Remembrance App and write their message which will then be transferred onto a ribbon.
Alternatively, donations can be made at collection points, where people can write their message on a yellow ribbon to remember family and friends who are not be with us this Christmas.
Collection points and yellow ribbons will be available from this Friday, December 15, at: Athlone Towncentre, Dunnes Stores Irishtown, Applegreen, Mulligans Service Station, Supervalu Monksland and Supervalu Ballymahon Road.
"The support for the Tree of Remembrance has been overwhelming for the past number of years," said Ciaran Mannion, President of the Rotary Club of Athlone.
"Despite these hard and testing times, people have been very generous in supporting the local charities and it has been a privilege to witness so many people remembering their loved ones at Christmas.
"The tree offers a moment of reflection and a time to remember loved ones in a simple and special way. People are asked to donate only what they can afford.
"We would like to thank the Athlone Municipal District for its support in relation to the Christmas tree at the Civic Centre, all of the businesses, and all the Rotary and charity volunteers for their tremendous support in this wonderful fundraising campaign.
"We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and thank you all for your support," Ciaran concluded.