Tree-Cycling Collection raises £9.5K to support Havens Hospices

January 11, 2024

Havens Hospices has been turning trees into care after collecting more than 900 real Christmas trees from doorsteps across south Essex to help raise vital funds for the charity.

The collection service picked up Christmas trees from households across Southend, Castle Point, Rayleigh, Rochford, Hockley and Canvey Island, in return for a donation to the local charity, which provides specialist care and support for babies, children and adults living with incurable conditions.

This was only possible thanks to local businesses and many volunteers who gave up their time and vehicles to travel hundreds of miles across the towns.

This year’s collections were kindly sponsored once again by local insulation company Saving Energy. All the trees collected have now been turned into wood chippings by Essex Tree Services for free to be reused in the gardens and grounds at Fair Havens and Little Havens.

Lucy Lock, Community Engagement Manager at Havens Hospices, said: “This is the fourth year we have run our Christmas Tree Collection Service, and each year sees more real trees recycled to help raise vital funds and help make every day count for thousands of families who rely on the care of Havens Hospices.

“Our care is free of charge and that’s only possible thanks to fundraising schemes like these and the incredible support from our local communities, making donations and volunteering their time. Businesses volunteering their time include Walton Removals, R.C Boreham, Marfell Plumbing, Daws Heath Timber, Transform PMS, Public Sewer Services, FedEx, Castle Point Gas, Tiger Business, Supply2Location, Deck Chairs UK and Canvey Concrete Pumping.

“Also a huge thank you to Oldham’s in Westcliff for providing free fish and chips as much-needed fuel for our volunteers.”

“If you have a van and would like to help us collect trees next year in January 2025, please get in touch – any support you can give will be greatly appreciated. Please email Su at SHarrison@havenshospices.org.uk for more information.”