Wolverhampton Christmas remembrance tree returns to support four charities
The annual Christmas appeal has raised more than £130,000 since 2004 and will support four Wolverhampton charities this year
Wolverhampton's Tree of Remembrance is returning this Christmas, giving residents the chance to remember loved ones while raising money for four local charities.
The City of Wolverhampton Rotary Club will officially launch the appeal at 1pm on Saturday (November 14), at the Wulfrun Shopping Centre.
The tree has raised more than £130,000 for good causes since it was first introduced in December 2004 and has become a regular feature of the city's Christmas celebrations.
It will remain in place until Monday, January 5, with people invited to make donations in memory of family members, friends and colleagues.
This year's fundraising will be shared between four charities: Compton Care, which provides specialist care for people and families living with life-limiting conditions; Wolverhampton Coronary Aftercare Support Group, which supports people recovering from heart disease and cardiac events; Wolverhampton MS Therapy Centre, which offers oxygen therapy and other complementary treatments; and Wolverhampton Rotary Club Charitable Trust, which distributes funds to local, regional and international good causes.
Rotarian Lorraine McCarthy said: "At Christmas, while many of us enjoy time with family and friends, it can also be a particularly poignant time for those remembering loved ones who are no longer with us.
"The Tree provides a wonderful opportunity to honour their memory while helping to support organisations that do such valuable work within our community."
She thanked fellow Rotarians, Wulfrun Shopping Centre management and the Express & Star for their support, as well as this year's sponsors.
James Beattie Charitable Trust, Hollingsworth and Co Ltd Chartered Accountants, Peter Posh of Tettenhall, TIA Tyres and Sandford Carpets and Curtains of Wolverhampton have collectively contributed £4,000.
A further £1,350 has already been raised through individual donations ahead of the official launch.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to support the appeal by making a donation in memory of someone special.