The Giving Tree makes Christmas better for others

Matthew McLaughlin

5 years ago

The Giving Tree of Bradford on Avon is back in Lamb Yard for its fifth year, and what better way to get into the spirit of Christmas than by donating items to local charities helping to make life easier for those in need?

Annually, our generous local community have supported this project in the four weeks leading up to Christmas and donations have increased year on year, so the project’s co-ordinator, Chris Curtis, is hopeful that this success will continue.

The three charities you can donate to are the Hub, Bath Cats & Dogs Home and Julian House, with some of the items they are hoping for listed at the bottom of this page. The collection point will be regularly checked and emptied so there should be plenty of room in the boxes below the tree to leave your donations.

(Photo – left to right: Cllr Laurie Brown, the Hub; Tessa Kerslake – Senior Events and Community Fundraiser, Julian House; Chris Curtis, Giving Tree Coordinator; Marina Abraham – Events and Community Fundraiser at Bath Cats and Dogs Home; John Hutchinson, the Hub)

“On behalf of Julian House I would like to thank the local community of Bradford-On-Avon for their on-going support. Raising funds is continually hard for us. Saving money by using the kindly donated items to The Giving Tree will help us to use the money saved supporting homeless and vulnerable people in different ways”. Cathy Adcock, Senior Fundraiser, Julian House

The tree will be decorated with glass ornaments specially made by Alex Compton and local school children, as well as message baubles from the Bradford on Avon Rangers, Guides and Brownies.

“We’re so happy to be benefiting from the Giving Tree again in 2019. The donations made for the cats and dogs in our care are much needed and always so gratefully received, so we want to say a huge thank you to Chris and to the local community for giving so generously to help animals who don’t have a home to go to this Christmas.” – Rachel Jones, Head of Fundraising & Communications, Bath Cats and Dogs Home

Avril Clarke, Coordinator, The HUB added:

“Last Year we we were in receipt of donations from the Giving Tree and are always grateful for many of the items and have been able to support some in our local community.”

Suggested gifts for The Hub/Julian House

Sealed toiletries (eg: deodorant, shower gel, shave foam, sanitary items, toothpaste)
Sealed, in date, dry goods (eg: cereals, rice, pasta, biscuits, sugar)
Canned/jarred/long life food (eg: juice, pasta sauce, coffee, tea, UHT milk)
Flannels
Stationary
Christmas Pudding/Mince Pies
Stocking fillers (small soft toys, colouring books. crayons, festive sweets)
Hats & Gloves
New socks/new underwear
Sleeping bags

Suggested Gifts for Bath Cats and Dogs Home:

Training treats
Dog and cat food
Harnesses
Dog coats
Squeezy cheese
Blankets
Scratch posts
Dog and Cat toys

The Giving Tree also has support from the Royal Mail this year, so if you are unable to get into town, gifts may be posted to:

The Giving Tree

c/o Mr. M Francis DOM GAD GT

Royal Mail

Bradford on Avon Delivery Office

Treenwood Industrial Estate

Bradford on Avon

BA15 2AA