Shrewsbury's 2025 Tree of Light Appeal gets underway

The enormous physical task of filling request sheets into envelopes for the traditional Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Tree of Light fundraiser has this year for the first time
been carried out - by two lady volunteers.

Ann Watkin and her sister Susan Wylie stuffed no fewer than 500 Tree of Light reminders into envelopes which have now been posted to a similar number of existing recipients.

The preparation of Rotary Tree of Light information into envelopes has until now been carried out year on year by Rotarians at one of their fortnightly meetings.

This year Ann and Susan stepped forward and volunteered to perform the hours long task so that Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club could spend more time discussing 2025 Tree of Light potential recipients – as well as forthcoming fundraising activities including their Santa sleigh.

Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club’s traditional Tree of Light calendar is now in its third decade and once again the organisers are confident of raising around £5,000 for local charities which are still to be named.

Said the club’s secretary Rotarian Gareth Watkins: “The Tree of Light is a marvellous annual event which has been running for 28 years.

“As a result, this magnificent enterprise has raised a total of nearly £200,000 which is used to support charities and good causes in the local community.

“More and more each year the Tree of Light becomes particularly special when considering the ongoing cost of living crisis.

“And the Tree of Light’s success is completely down to the generosity of all our wonderful donors who continue to support us year on year.”

He added: “In the New Year we hope that once again a considerable sum of money will be put to good use supporting local charities and communities.”

And also once again the 500 Tree of Light envelopes are being generously posted by Dyke Yaxley Chartered Accounts of Brassey Road, Shrewsbury.

Anyone not on the Tree of Light register, but would be interested in making a donation, can do so by emailing gdmw@hotmail.co.uk