Telford's Tree of Light launched ahead of festive season
It has raised more than £700,000 over 25 years and Telford's Tree of Light has been officially launched ahead of the festive season.
The tree, which serves as way for people to remember loved ones and support local good causes, is based at Telford Shopping Centre.
The commemorative fundraiser is organised by a combination of four Telford rotary clubs – Wellington, Ironbridge, Wrekin, and Telford Central.
The official switch-on, which could not take place last year, was carried out by Shropshire's Lord Lieutenant Anna Turner, and featured a performance from the Salvation Army Band.
The tree has raised around £40,000 in the last three or four years, and this year's proceeds will be split between a number of good causes – 50 per cent for the Severn Hospice, 25 per cent for Hope House, and 25 per cent between four good causes selected by the individual rotary clubs – Lingen Davies, Southall School, Telford Mind, and Telford & Wrekin CVS.
Peter Seaward, acting chair of the trustees of Telford Tree of Light, said that they were delighted to be able to hold an in-person switch-on this year.
He said: "The tree of light is there to enable people to remember their loved ones at this time of year and help to support local charities by making a donation. It is a really important way of supporting very deserving local organisations.
"For everyone involved with the tree of light we were delighted to be able to officially launch this year and especially pleased that the Lord Lieutenant was able to do it."
Donations of £5 are requested for those who wish to add a name to the tree, and people can do so up until December 18.
For information about the tree of light or to add a loved one's name visit telfordtreeoflight.org.uk.
