Athlone Rotary Club launched their annual Christmas fundraising campaign this week in aid of three local charities: South Westmeath Hospice, Midlands Simon Community, and the Athlone St Vincent De Paul.
People write a name or a simple message on a ribbon which is then put up on the Tree of Remembrance outside the Civic Centre. The tree provides a wonderful opportunity for people to remember loved ones in the middle of the Christmas rush, while supporting local charities.
Over 10 days from Wednesday December 14 up to Christmas Eve, the Tree of Remembrance will be decked with more and more red and yellow ribbons, creating a visual reminder of loved ones at Christmas. For the people of Athlone it is a lovely way of showing that loved ones are not forgotten.
This will be the second year for the Rotary Tree of Remembrance which raised almost €5,000 for local charities in 2010.
“The support for the Tree of Remembrance was overwhelming last year,” said James Shivnan, president Rotary Club of Athlone, “even in the very difficult snowbound weather and extreme cold. It was a privilege last year to see so many people remember their loved ones and we were very moved to hear some of the stories behind the names.”
The Rotary Tree of Remembrance will take pride of place outside the Civic Centre and a special ecumenical service to remember all the people named on the ribbons will be held beside the tree at 2pm on Christmas Eve. All are very welcome to attend.
Organiser Billy Nott, Rotary Club of Athlone said, “While this year’s Christmas will be tougher than before, and many people will have worries, the tree offers a moment of reflection and a time to remember loved ones in a special and simple way. We hope that people will take a look at the tree, with each ribbon having its own story of love and sadness, and that the true spirit of Christmas will be made evident for one special moment. While there is no charge, donations are welcome. ”
If you wish to remember a loved one you are missing this Christmas, volunteers will have ribbons in three locations around the town; Athlone Towncentre, Dunnes Stores Irishtown, and Dunnes Stores Montree. Just write the name or your message on the ribbon and it will be put up on the Tree of Remembrance.
There is no charge or set donation for the ribbon, but all donations are welcome and money raised will be given to the South Westmeath Hospice, Midlands Simon Community, the Athlone Society of St Vincent de Paul and other charities which are supported by the Rotary Club of Athlone.
“Finally, we would like to thank Athlone Town Council,” added James Shivnan, “for their continued support of our Tree of Remembrance project and to thank all the collection venues who have been very helpful. Thanks as well to all the volunteers who will be manning the tables in the days running up to Christmas - their support is much appreciated.”
