The 14th annual Tree of Light Appeal has kicked off in spectacular style with donations of more than £10,000 already flooding in.
The appeal, which is organised by the four Rotary clubs of Telford - Ironbridge, Telford Centre, Wellington and The Wrekin - gives people the chance to sponsor a light on a Christmas tree set up in Telford Shopping Centre in memory of a loved one.
The campaign smashed all previous records last year, raising a total of £33,000 which was distributed to charities across the borough.
This year half the money raised will go to the Severn Hospice, Telford, with the other half split between four charities nominated by each of the Rotary clubs.
This year’s nominated charities are: Age Concern (Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin); Macmillan Cancer Support (Shropshire); Home Start (Telford & Wrekin) and Telford Community First Responders.
The tree will be put up in Dean Square on November 16 with the opening ceremony taking place on November 20 from 4pm when seasonal music will be provided by the Salvation Army Band.
This year, the lights will be switched on by special guest, the Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill.
Names will be displayed around the tree until the end of the year and regular updates will take place as more names are added.
Lists will also be printed in the Telford Journal and will be displayed in Wellington Market.
For the first time, names will also be displayed in the offices of accountants Tranter Lowe in Dawley and Oakengates this year.
They will also be available to view on the official Tree of Light website, which is at www.telfordtreeoflight.org.uk.
Application forms will be available in all of the above locations as well as the information kiosks and Cafe Giardino in Telford Shopping Centre. They will also be printed weekly in the Telford Journal.
New appeal chairman, Paul Booth - who has taken over the reins from John Morris-Roberts - said: “We have had a really encouraging start to the 14th year of the appeal.
“Over 2,400 sponsor forms were posted out on October 27 and by November 6, over 30 per cent had been returned containing donations in excess of £10,000. Let’s hope in spite of the credit crunch the appeal will go on to break last year’s record of £33,000.”
l Sponsor form - Page 5.
