Remembering those we lost

The names of loved ones who have departed this world will once again fly high above St Patrick Street this year as the Rotary Tree of Remembrance is set to return.

The iconic giant Christmas tree will be back in its usual spot outside Brown Thomas next month where people can place handwritten messages to their loved ones on yellow ribbons while also making a donation to a charity.

All funds raised at the tree this year will go to Marymount Hospice, Shine Centre for Autism Carrigaline, Cope Foundation and Focus Cork. The opening ceremony will take place on 11 December with Lord Mayor of Cork City Cllr Colm Kelleher doing the honours. Cork and Bishopstown Rotary Clubs have been collecting for Cork charities at the Tree of Remembrance for over 16 years.

In 2019, the collection of voluntary donations from those who had a message attached to the tree raised a record figure of more than €100k for Cork charities such as Marymount Hospice, Enable Ireland and Cope Foundation. Last year, there was a major worry about the viability of continuing with the fundraiser due to Covid-19 restrictions but the tree was erected and, with many new safety measures in place, teams of collectors took in over €60,000 from the generous Cork public. Rotary is a worldwide organisation of men and women volunteers, who meet regularly, organise community events and fundraise for good causes.