Telford’s Tree of Light raises almost £500,000 over the last 20 years
Telford’s Tree of Light, which has raised almost £500,000 over the last 20 years, was officially switched on this afternoon.
Tigers head coach Tom Watkins led the celebrations in Telford Shopping Centre and was joined by a group of his players at the event, which is organised by the four rotary clubs in Telford.
The Tree of Light allows people to make a donation in memory of a loved one during Christmas, in return for a light on the tree and at other displays across the town.
Mr Watkins said: “Switching on the Tree of Light is a big honour for me and it was great to see so many people there.
“I am very proud of what we have achieved as a team, and I want to share that with the people of Telford.
“The Tree of Light, of course, means a lot to those who contribute, and continues to be a very worthy cause.
“Being part of that, and in turn being part of the wider Telford community, is very important to everyone here at The Tigers.”
Hundreds of well-wishers attended the event, they were joined by the band of Salvation Army.
Peter Seaward, chairman of Telford Tree of Light and Wellington Rotary Club, was delighted with the turnout at Wrekin Square.
He said: “Since the appeal started 20 years ago, it has generated over £460,000 for worthy causes. We would like to make it £500,000 this year.”
Names are displayed on lists around the Tree of Light in Telford Shopping Centre, at Wellington Market and in the windows of Tranter Lowe’s offices in Oakengates and Dawley, as well as Truffles Café in Ironbridge.
Names are also displayed on the Tree of Light website telfordtreeoflight.org.uk.
More than £38,000 was raised through the appeal last year.
