A big Christmas tree recycling bonanza has dropped over £21,000 into hospice coffers.
Around 2,100 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 Ambleside, Sedbergh and Garstang. Many of South Lakeland’s 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. Trees which have given so much pleasure get the chance to go on spreading cheer by making much needed money for our wonderful hospice.”
Running for nine years, St John’s Christmas tree recycling has raised around £60,000 and this year saw an increase of over 30 percent in collections, along with a 35 percent increase in revenue.
Praise came from hospice community fundraiser, Karen Crossley, who said the success was testament to all those who supported an event which made substantial and much-needed money.
“Communities are our lifeblood. It costs £12,000 a day to keep the hospice’s services running and funding for 70 percent of that has to be found from donations.
“It’s a win/win situation where everyone benefits. Trees are recycled and we get essential funding for the hospice.”
Electricity North West provided the South Lakeland collection teams.
