All welcome at Athlone Tree of Remembrance service
The recent launch of the Rotary Club of Athlone’s annual Tree of Remembrance fundraiser.
The Rotary Club of Athlone recently launched its annual Christmas fundraising campaign – The Tree of Remembrance. This year funds raised will go to The Irish Wheelchair Association, Athlone, and other good causes.
This fundraising event is now a firm favourite for the people of Athlone Town and South Roscommon areas in the build-up to Christmas. The concept is a heart-warming but simple one; write the name of a loved one on a ribbon which is then put on the Tree of Remembrance outside Dunnes Stores, Irishtown.
From mid-December up to 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 service with carols to remember those family and friends, who will not be with us this Christmas, will be held beside the tree at 2p.m. on Christmas Eve. All are welcome to attend.
The club is offering several ways in which to support these worthy charities.
Make a donation at the collections points and write a message on a yellow ribbon to remember family and friends, who will not be with us this Christmas Collection points and Yellow ribbons are available at: Dunnes Stores Irishtown, Dunnes Stores Montree, Mulligans Service Station, Supervalu Monksland, Supervalu Ballymahon Rd, and Kilmartin’s Service Station N6.
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 these amazing charities. For the people of Athlone and visitors alike, it is a lovely way of showing that loved ones are not forgotten.
“The tree offers a moment of reflection and a time to remember loved ones in a simple and special way,” said Billy Nott, Rotary Club of Athlone President, adding that people are asked to donate only what they can afford.
Organiser Tony Gannon said that the new location of the Tree of Remembrance in the pedestrianised area in Irishtown reflects the success of this festive event now in its 16th year.
The Rotary Club of Athlone thanked the local council and Dunnes Stores for their support in relation to relocating the new Tree of Remembrance, adding a special word of thanks to Fernhill Garden Centre which donated the tree itself.
“We are also very grateful to all the businesses who facilitated the collection points, and all the Rotary and Irish Wheelchair Association volunteers for their tremendous support in this wonderful fundraising campaign,” it added.
“We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and thank you all for your continued support.”
