Funds raised by Waterford Rotary’s 26th annual Memorial Christmas Tree support vital healthcare services in the South East.
Waterford Rotary Club’s 26 h annual Memorial Christmas Tree took place at the Christmas tree in John Robert’s Square, Waterford City, in December 2023. UPMC Whitfield and Jabil Healthcare also hosted memorial trees and collections took place at Supervalu Hypercentre; Waterford Shopping Centre, Lisduggan; Quish’s Supervalu Tramore; and Ardkeen Quality Food Store.
Christmas is such an important time for family, but it’s also a time when we most miss those loved ones who are lost to us. The Rotary Memorial Tree has become an important and cherished way for all of us to remember our friends and family. This is why the Rotary club’s partnership with Waterford Hospice and Solas Cancer Support Centre at that time of year is so vital and appropriate and why the Memorial Tree was, as always, a central feature in Waterford City’s Winterval Festival.
Brian Tynan, President of the Rotary Club of Waterford said, “For so many years the Rotary Club of Waterford Memorial Christmas Tree has been at the heart of Christmas in Waterford and we’re delighted that the memorial tree raised over €16,000 for Solas Cancer Support Centre and Waterford Hospice this year, thanks to everyone who supported the campaign.”
Rotary Memorial Tree organiser Orm Kenny said “We are very grateful for the support received from the people of Waterford and from the many volunteers and organisations who supported the appeal. Special thanks to Waterford City and County Council; Winterval; UPMC Whitfield; Jabil Healthcare; Supervalu The Hypercentre; Waterford Shopping Centre, Lisduggan; Ardkeen Quality Food Store; Quish's Supervalu, Tramore; McDonalds; Phelan’s Pharmacy; Nolke Opticians; Sheridan Kia; and Georges Court Shopping Centre.”
Barbara Murphy, Chairperson Waterford Hospice said “We are so grateful to Waterford Rotary Club for their continued support of Waterford Hospice. Funds raised since the first Memorial Tree in 1988 have made a significant contribution to the new 20 bedded dedicated inpatient Palliative Care Centre now open in UHW. Without this support from Waterford Rotary and the people of Waterford this would not have been possible. Our focus now is to raise funds for patient comforts, complementary therapies, equipment and amenities for patients and their families who will access services in this Unit whilst continuing to support the Palliative Care Homecare Service in the community.”
Tracy McDaid, Manager of the Solas Cancer Support Centre, explained what these funds mean to the service: “We are very appreciative of the support of the Rotary Club in both raising funds and creating awareness of the free services we provide. These funds will help the charity continue to provide free support services to people impacted by a cancer experience in Waterford and throughout the Southeast”
