Three local charities have each received £2,500 from the Rotary Tree of Light. The monies have been sent by Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club to Age UK Shropshire, Lingen Davies Cancer Fund and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
The 2020 Rotary Tree of Light at St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury, was the most successful in the history of the charity event. Said Tree of Light organiser Rotarian Iain Gilmour: “That this is a record year for us is a real tribute to our sponsors, both existing and new. At a very difficult time for us all it is really heartening to see people give so generously to support the charities that sustain our community.”
Jo Bailey, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Events & Area Fundraising Manager, said: “Midlands Air Ambulance Charity would like to say a big thank you for the fantastic donation from the 2020 Rotary Tree of Light. We are going through very challenging times and we really do appreciate such amazing support from Rotary and everyone who has kindly donated – you are helping us to keep our life saving service operational.”
Helen Knight, Lingen Davies Cancer Fund Development Manager, said: “A huge thank you to Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club who have been so kind in donating this wonderful amount of money to us at a time when we are really in need of boosting our fundraising efforts. Services continue at the Cancer Centre in Shrewsbury to support those affected by cancer in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales. Our ambition, to buy a new C T Scanner and build additional clinic rooms, is still on track for the next 12 months, and that is due to our supporters, like the Rotary, to whom we rely on so much.”
Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said: “We thank the members of Shrewsbury Severn Rotary for all their hard work over Christmas to support local older people. The amazing amount raised from the Tree of Light will make all the difference especially during these difficult times.”