Tree of Remembrance returns with virtual memorial
An annual memorial which honours those who are no longer with us and helps generate thousands of pounds for good causes is taking place again – but with a difference.
The Rotary Club of the City of Wolverhampton has been organising the Tree of Remembrance in the city centre since Christmas 2003.
Over the years, more than £110,000 has been raised for charities while, at the same time, providing people an opportunity to include lost loved ones in their Christmas celebrations.
But this year, due to coronavirus restrictions, the club is unable to install its remembrance tree in the Wulfrun Centre and has decided to hold a virtual memorial event.
Names of loved ones and messages will be displayed on the club’s website, www.rotaryclubwolverhampton.co.uk, on a page titled The Memories Live On. They will also be printed regularly in the Express & Star.
President of The Rotary Club of the City of Wolverhampton, Brian Bailey, said: “Requirements with regard to social distancing and sanitising have precluded a physical presence of Rotarians in the Wulfrun Centre to manage The Tree of Remembrance campaign.
"But we believe the project is so valued by local people as a way to include lost loved ones in their Christmas celebrations that, this year above all years, it was important for us to try to keep going.”
The rotary club is again supporting charities Compton Care, The Haven Wolverhampton, The MS Therapy Centre and the Rotary Charitable Trust.
Memorial organiser Mike Colley said: “After so many years, we are saddened we are unable to set up a tree in the city centre, but our real concern is the impact of Covid-19 on the charities.
“We would be delighted to receive messages and the names of lost loved ones but if anyone would like to make a separate donation to support the work of these charities, without being involved with The Memories Live On we have set up a fundraising page, which can be used to do so.
“All proceeds will be added to the sums donated in remembrance and the total distributed to the named charities.”
To take part, fill in the form printed in the Express & Star with the names of those being remembered and post it, along with a cheque for a minimum donation of £5 per entry, to Rotary Memories Live On, PO Box 7560, Wolverhampton, WV6 6HN.
The names and messages will appear on the club’s website until November 2021.
Last year, a total of £5,797 was raised for the appeal, made up of £356 through bucket collections, £1,500 through sponsors and the rest from people’s remembrance donations.
