Mayo Christmas Tree of Remembrance
CASTLEBAR Rotary Club has announced that its flagship fundraising project, the Christmas Tree of Remembrance, will run online again this year throughout the month of December in partnership with Western Care Association.
The purpose of the Tree of Remembrance is to afford everybody an opportunity to remember their loved ones at Christmas, both living and deceased, by placing a ribbon and a dedication in their honour on this virtual Christmas tree.
The reasons to remember our loved ones are endless and personal to everybody and all dedications on this tree will be included in the 10 a.m. Mass on New Year's Eve in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar.
There is also an opportunity to make a voluntary donation in support of Western Care Association’s latest project, to equip a new hub at Chapel Street, Castlebar. This hub is designed to assist the specific learning needs of people aged between 18-25 with an intellectual disability or with autism. All donations go directly to Western Care for this project.
The Virtual Christmas Tree of Remembrance can be accessed at https://visufund.com/2021-mayo-tree-of-remembrance.
In launching the event, Rotary Club president Paul Kilcourse said: “Sadly, due to Covid-19, we are unable to host our usual Christmas Tree of Remembrance on Hopkins Road, Castlebar. However, we are delighted to have a virtual Tree of Remembrance in partnership with Western Care Association to support the vital services it provides to our community.
“We are appealing to Mayo people at home and overseas to visit our Virtual Tree of Remembrance website and participate in this very unique way of remembering your loved ones at Christmas.”
Said Teresa Ward, fundraising and development manager with Western Care Association: “Our organisation exists to empower people with a wide range of learning and associated disabilities to live full and satisfied lives as equal citizens. Western Care relies heavily on public support, and we have experienced many challenges during this last two years. We are very thankful to Castlebar Rotary Club for choosing us as their charity partner for this project.”