An annual festive occurrence, the Rotary Club of Athlone has been to the fore when hosting the Tree of Remembrance occasion in Athlone.
Individuals wrote names of loved ones who had passed or who were away from home at Christmas on coloured ribbons and made a donation in aid of local charities and Rotary charities. The ribbons were then attached to the Christmas tree in the Civic Square and remained there over the festive period. The monies donated were accounted for by Rotary and paid to the charities.
Unfortunately, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic it is currently not possible to operate that system. This year’s charities are Esker House Women’s Refuge, Mental Health Ireland and Rotary Charities.
A two-pronged novel way has been devised to help these charities and to remember someone at Christmas. Firstly, the Rotary Club of Athlone website can be visited and by following the link to the ‘GoFundMe’ page a donation can be made.
Secondly, yellow ribbons will available in selected outlets in Athlone on presentation trays. Again, a donation can be made and the yellow ribbon taken and placed on the Christmas tree or in the window at home.
This small but significant gesture will be a reminder of those who, for any reason, will not be at home this Christmas. It will also help Esker House Women’s Refuge in Athlone, Mental Health Ireland and other worthy charities.
For the past ten years an Ecumenical Service has been hosted by Rotary on Christmas Eve. If Covid-19 guidelines permit, it is planned to hold a short service this Christmas Eve at 2pm at the Civic Square, where loved ones will be duly remembered. Social distancing and the wearing of masks will be observed.
