Caring Christmas Trees volunteers. Photo: Bethany Christian Trust
Caring Christmas Trees the charity that sells ethical, environmentally friendly trees online has moved to Lewisham, allowing residents to collect their friendly firs locally.
The charity, which was set up in Edinburgh in 2005, is the UK’s largest online retailer of festive firs. They are working with the Jericho Road Project based in Catford to provide trees whose profits will fund homeless shelters around Lewisham.
Simon Allen, manager of the Jericho Road Project since it was founded in 2001, currently runs 6 houses for the homeless. There are twenty-eight permanent residents who receive financial, emotional and practical support, and hundreds more who stop by for a hot meal.
The proceeds from each tree go towards maintaining this project and could help fund a proposed rehabilitation centre for people suffering from drug addiction in the new year.
Mr Allen who is excited about Caring Christmas Trees’ potential to transform the Jericho Project urged locals to get online. He said: “By buying just one tree you can make a real difference for homeless people. The Jericho Road Project has been helping rough sleepers since 2001 how about ordering your tree today!”
Sir Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham who did just this, has been supporting the Jericho Road Project for some time. After buying his tree last week he said: “Given the economic conditions at the moment it’s really important to give a helping hand to those who need it, especially with Christmas just round the corner. Caring Christmas Trees is an excellent scheme and I’d urge those residents in the borough intending to buy a tree for Christmas to take part. And please don’t forget to recycle your tree once the festive season is over.”
If you want to support the work of Simon Allen and the team at the Jericho Road Project and also benefit from having a fresh, sustainable Christmas tree delivered to your area, visit www.caringchristmastrees.com, and order online. Collection points include Bromley Road Retail Park, St. Luke’s Church Tulse Hill, New Community Church Sidcup and Shaftsbury Christian Centre, Deptford.
