Giving Tree celebrates 10 years of community generosity

The Giving Tree marks is celebrating a decade of community generosity in Bradford on Avon.

The Giving Tree was founded in 2014, after the town’s Christmas tree was dubbed ‘one of the worst in the UK’.

Local man, Christopher Curtis, wrote to the town council with the idea of transforming the publicity into good will.

“We’re deeply thankful to all the generous gift givers over the past ten years who, in the true spirit of Christmas, have thought of others and made donations,” said Christopher.

“Bradford on Avon is a town to be proud of, filled with talented and caring people who have made it their home. Our Giving Tree holds a special place in the heart of our community.”

This year donations will be given to local foodbank The Hub, Bath Cats & Dogs Home and Julian House.

Local artist, Alex Compton, is decorating with fabulous glass art reflecting the first 10 of the 12 days of Christmas.

And this year, students from Stonar School will also be making decorations to go around the tree.

Donations can be deposited at the Lamb Yard Tree.

Cathy Hearn, who manages The Hub said: “Over the years, we have received many donations at Christmas time – one of our busiest times – and the Giving Tree has certainly put a smile on many people’s faces.

“We really appreciate the support from The Giving Tree, the donations mean a great deal to those who receive them, many of which have little access to food.”

Jessie Naish, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Bath Cats and Dogs Home said: “Our sincere thanks to the people of Bradford on Avon for ten years of generous gift giving for our rescue dogs and cats and for their ongoing support of our animal welfare and rescue work.

“The donated gifts from the Giving Tree collection mean such a lot to our animals, staff and volunteers.

“Every Christmas Day each animal in our care receives a toy or a treat and the dogs all choose their own favourite toy.

“Please get in touch if you’d like to get involved with our work or if your business would like to fundraise or partner with us.”

Helen Bedster, Chief Executive of Julian House said: “Being a beneficiary of the Christmas Giving Tree makes a huge difference for Julian House.

“Donations from the local community bring joy to the vulnerable people we support in Wiltshire and across the south west.

“We’re fortunate to have such a generous community of supporters; every donation makes a profound impact on our clients during this festive period.”

What can I donate?

Bath Cats & Dogs Home are looking for donations of the following items:

• training treats
• squeezy cheese
• harnesses
• washed and dried dog coats
• dog and cat toys
• scratch posts.

The Hub and Julian House would appreciate donations of:

• cereals
• rice
• pasta
• biscuits
• sugar
• canned
• jarred
• long life food
• juice
• coffee, tea and UHT milk
• sealed toiletries (toothpaste, deodorant, shower gel, shave foam).