20th November 2020

The Giving Tree is back

The Giving Tree of Bradford on Avon is back in Lamb Yard for its sixth year with Covid-safe measures in place.

The tree, donated by First Port, was decorated yesterday and aside from being a beautiful and welcome addition to this central shopping area, also provides a place where the community can donate much needed items to the Hub, Julian House and Bath Cats and Dogs Home.

Catherine Wright, Head of Fundraising & Trading, Bath Cats and Dogs Home said:

“Thank you so much to the Giving Tree for choosing us as a benefitting charity again this year. After what has been a challenging year for all of us, we are so grateful to be a part of this lovely community initiative in 2020. Our thanks to Chris and to everyone who has donated items for the neglected and abandoned cats and dogs in our care at Bath Cats and Dogs Home.”

The tree has been decorated with glass ornaments specially made by Alex Compton and local school children, as well as message baubles previously gifted from the Bradford on Avon Rangers, Guides and Brownies. Also festooning the tree are lights provided by the Town Council, who pay for the town-wide installation of festive lights installed by Burbidge Electrical.

Annually, generous local residents 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 and said:

“Additional safety measures have been put in place to help ensure that invaluable gifts are handled safely and quickly delivered. 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.”

Cathy Adcock, Area Funding Manager, Julian House added:

“Homelessness is still very much a problem of our times in the global pandemic and has not gone away. Julian House have hugely appreciated the donations to the Giving Tree from the local community in Bradford on Avon during the past five years, which have increased with each passing year.”

So, whilst you pop out to the shops, or take your daily exercise, please also consider dropping something off at the donation point to make someone’s Christmas just that little bit better.

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