Please support a local charity’s tree-mendous fundraising event

We’re teaming up this festive season with fantastic local children’s hospice Chestnut Tree House and Just Helping for a special Christmas tree recycling scheme.

Most city residents can get their tree collected in return for a donation to the children’s hospice, who support youngsters with life-shortening conditions and their families in the local community.

To get involved, all you need do is sign up through Just Helping, a UK charity which is working with the children’s hospice to raise much needed funds this Christmas, between now and Wednesday 6 January 2021.

Once signed up and a donation is made, charity volunteers will collect the person’s Christmas tree from their home in a COVID-secure way between Saturday 9 January – Tuesday 12 January. The trees will then be taken to a tree recycling plant in Sussex.

Trees mustn't be left on the street to be collected

Please do not leave trees on the street to be collected as this is fly-tipping. Trees must be kept inside your home or garden until collection takes place.

The only part of the city the collection service doesn’t apply to is the BN3 2xx to BN3 6xx postcode areas as trees are collected in a similar way by Brighton & Hove Rotary.

The council still has its 23 Christmas tree drop off points as usual, but we’re also hoping resident’s will support this lovely fundraising initiative.

Charlotte Waring, Chestnut Tree House’s community fundraising manager, said: “We’re so excited to announce that this year we are teaming up with Brighton & Hove City Council and Just Helping for our Christmas tree recycling scheme.

“A hassle-free and environmentally friendly way to dispose of your Christmas tree whilst also supporting your local children’s hospice.

'Covid has hit charities hard'

“Like many charities, our funding has been hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic, so we’re encouraging households to sign up to the initiative and give a donation, no matter how small, in return for the collection of their Christmas tree.

“A donation of £5 could pay for a personalised activity and craft pack for a child, or a donation of £25 could help pay for phone calls to struggling families.

“Your donation will make a difference to local children and families. Thank you.”

Residents can also email xmastree@chestnut-tree-house.org.uk or call 01903 871820 for more information.

'Your tree collected, without having to leave home'

Councillor Amy Heley, chair of the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be supporting Chestnut Tree House this year.

“The Christmas tree collection scheme links really well with the thousands of trees we collect every year from our tree drop off points.

“Now residents know they can have their trees collected without even having to leave their homes, and know they’re helping out an amazing local charity at a time of great need.”

Councollor Heley added: “Covid really has hit charities hard, so we should think about ways we can support all charities as much as possible.”