Rugby Rotary thanks residents after record-breaking year for Tree of Light

Rugby Rotary's Tree of Light has had a record-breaking fundraising year - raising more than £5,00 for Myton Hospice.

Every year since 1999 the project has seen a beautiful Christmas tree erected outside St Andrew's.

Rugbeians can then send a small donation in exchange for having their loved ones remembered on the tree - raising much-needed funds for Myton Hospice.

A spokesperson for Rugby Rotary has asked to Advertiser to publish the following statement, thanking residents for their help.

The spokesperson said: "In this continuing time of the Covid-19 pandemic with the vision of ‘light’ at the end of this long tunnel, it is good to be able to rejoice in good news.

"So, as we pass the end of the 2020 Rotary Tree of Light Appeal and look forward to whatever the New Year might bring, the Rotary Club of Rugby President, Keith Ward, and all its members, wish to once again thank the people of Rugby for their hugely generous support for our very own Rugby Myton Hospice in which this year’s annual appeal surpassed all expectations and initially has raised a record sum of just over £5,000 in donations, the most since the appeal’s launch in 1999.

"As so many of you know, the Hospice works tirelessly to provide much support and comfort to those in need through terminal illness and it relies totally on your voluntary donations.

"Gifts, however large or small, are a vital lifeline to their continuing work in Rugby, and Rotary is extremely honoured and proud to be able to provide this opportunity for giving by the local

community during this Christmas season.

"This year over 600 loved ones and causes were remembered during this ‘special’ time.

"Such a community project as this would not be possible without the support of others.

"So Rotary would like to thank the Rugby Advertiser for the continuing support in the coverage given by the editorial staff, all the staff at Blackham’s Opticians for acting as a central collection hub in the town, the Rev Pam Gould from St Andrew’s Parish Church for her message of remembrance and hope, and lastly, Rugby Borough Council for their support and cooperation and, especially to the mayor Bill Lewis, for once again enabling us to use the town Christmas tree as the focal point for the appeal."