The Rotary Club of Athlone has been hosting the annual tree of remembrance initiative since 2010.
Ribbons with the names of loved ones, who are no longer with us or who would not be home for Christmas, are placed on the tree and a donation made to charity.
This year donations towards the ‘Tree’ were in aid of the Simon Community and the Order of Malta as well as Rotary charities.
Members of Rotary and volunteers from the Order of Malta along with available personnel from Simon conducted the collections over seven days running up to Christmas from six collection points throughout Athlone and Rotary would like to thank the businesses that facilitated these collections.
This year some of the collection points had ‘sum up’ mini computers which enabled people who did not carry cash to click the amount of their donation by card or phone. It was also possible to donate on line through a Rotary app or on a GoFundMe page.
“Despite the Covid people have been very generous in supporting these worthy charities. It has been one of our best years ever,” Athlone Rotary President, Des Campbell, said.
The ‘Tree’ was organised by local pharmacist Philip McGorisk who had a strong team supporting his endeavours.
Under the directions of Paddy Deavy, Sean O’Laoide organised a team to erect the yellow and gold ribbons with the names of loved ones written on them in the Civic Square next to St Mary’s Church.
An interdenominational service with carol singing took place on Christmas Eve in front of the ‘Tree’ conducted by local clergy.
The tradition of the ‘Tree’ is now well established and Athlone Rotary are planning to host the initiative for a thirteenth occasion this year which will once again be in aid of Rotary and local charities.
