New approach for Athlone Rotary’s Remembrance Tree fundraiser this year

For the past ten years, the Rotary Club of Athlone has organised a Tree of Remembrance fundraiser in the lead-up to Christmas.

The initiative saw people make donations as they wrote names of loved ones, who had died or were living away from home, on coloured ribbons that were attached to the Christmas tree in Athlone's Civic Square.

The fundraiser is taking a new form this year, as a result of the pandemic.

A 'GoFundMe' page has been set up by the Rotary Club to facilitate donations to this year's beneficiaries: Esker House Women's Refuge; Mental Health Ireland; and Rotary Charities.

In addition to this, yellow ribbons will be available on presentation trays in selected outlets in Athlone. Again, a donation can be made and the yellow ribbon can be taken and placed on the Christmas Tree or in the window at home.

The Rotary Club said this small but significant gesture would be a reminder of those who, for any reason, will not be at home this Christmas.

For the past ten years an Ecumenical Service has been organised by Rotary on Christmas Eve.

If Covid guidelines permit, it is planned to hold a short service this Christmas Eve at 2pm at the Civic Square, where loved ones will be remembered. Social distancing and the wearing of masks will be observed at this service.

The link to the 'Go Fund Me' page can be found here: https://ie.gofundme.com/f/Rotary-supports-Esker-House-and-Mental-Health-Ire

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