[A] BIG Christmas tree recycling bonanza has dropped over £18,000 into hospice coffers.
Around 1,800 discarded firs and spruces sprung back to splendour as they gave a significant boost to Lancaster and South Lakeland’s St John’s Hospice.
A mammoth collection saw over 30 teams working around Kendal and South Lakes. Many of the trees were transformed into woodchip to power drying boilers by wood fuel specialists Barden Biomass.
Managing director Will Barden said the company was delighted to be able to help again with such a worthwhile cause.
He added: “It’s great to be involved in this fantastic event. Objects which have given so much pleasure get the chance to go on spreading cheer by making so much money for our wonderful hospice.”
Running for nine years, St John’s Christmas tree recycling mission has raised around £60,000 and this year saw an increase of over 30 percent in collections, along with a 35 percent rise in revenue.
Praise came from hospice community fundraiser Jill Santamera who said the success was testament to all those who supported an event which made substantial and much-needed money.
She added: “Communities are our lifeblood. It costs £10,000 a day to keep the hospice’s services running and funding for 70 percent of that has to be found from donations.
“This is a win/win situation where everyone benefits. Trees are recycled and we get essential funding.
“We’re particularly grateful to Electricity North West for providing the collection teams.”
