Newton Aycliffe and Darlington Rotary Clubs have launched their annual Christmas tree recycling campaign allowing local residents to have their used trees collected in return for supporting one of the regions most valued hospices.
Over 60 rotary volunteers will be visiting Newton Aycliffe homes over the weekend of Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th January to take away and recycle the trees in return for a small donation to Darlington’s St. Teresa’s Hospice.
“Everyone wins from this venture,” said Darlington Rotary Club organiser David Hayward. “ We spare the homeowner from any mess disposing of their trees and the hospice benefits from much needed funds.”
The trees will be chipped and recycled into environmentally friendly biomass fuel.
The operation will cover the whole of Newton Aycliffe, Darlington and surrounding areas with a minimum donation of £8 per tree recommended. To register your tree visit www.darlingtonhospice.org.uk or phone the hospice on 01325 254321 before January 3rd.
January’s collection will be the largest since the scheme started 11 years ago with volunteers, using a fleet of 20 vans, hoping to beat last year’s total of £16,500 raised for the hospice.
St. Teresa’s offers professional and compassionate ‘end of life’ care to around 1000 local residents every year. Two thirds of its £3 million annual running costs must be raised in house through local fundraising activities.
