HUNDREDS of Christmas trees were collected by a hospice to fundraise for its services.
Tynedale Hospice at Home partnered with Hexham-based MKM Building Supplies and Betel UK, and Procters Property Maintenance in Ponteland, to collect real Christmas trees in a first for both the Hospice and the area.
These corporate partners gave their time, vans and fuel for free, along with volunteers and staff, to clear trees in exchange for a donation to Tynedale Hospice which was administrated through Just Helping, a national charity partner.
Just Giving supported the Hospice with logistics and route planning.
Trees were sold to Northumberland County Council's garden waste recycling partner, Codlaw Farm, to be repurposed into high-quality compost, soil conditioner, and wood chippings.
The Hospice sold 209 trees and raised £4,145.
A spokesperson from Tynedale Hospice at Home said: "As a charity, we’re always looking for new ways to raise funds and at the same time play a role in the community.
"This new Christmas Tree collection is the perfect way to do that. Customers are happy to pay a modest donation to take away the hassle of getting rid of their real Christmas tree.
"We were able to sign up volunteers including corporate and charity partners Betel, Procters Property Maintenance and Development and MKM Building Supplies to help us rid streets of trees over two days at the start of January.
"We’re grateful to them and to everyone who booked a slot this year. We plan to bring it back bigger and better next year."
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