Cork city's Tree of Remembrance has become part of people's 'Christmas ritual'

The organisers of Cork city’s Rotary Tree of Remembrance are inviting members of the public to remember their loved ones this Christmas by writing their message on a yellow ribbon and placing it on the tree.

This is the 22nd year of Cork’s Tree of Remembrance and, in that time, the initiative has raised close to €1.15m for local charities.

This year’s tree was officially launched by Tánaiste Micheál Martin, alongside the Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Honore Kamegni, Rotary Ireland district governor Séamus Parle, and the presidents of the Cork and Bishopstown Rotary clubs, Donal Cashman and Willie Reville.

The tree will be available for ribbons right up to the evening of Christmas Eve, with volunteers on-site outside Brown Thomas to accept donations.

After Christmas, the ribbons will be brought to the Holy Trinity Church on Fr Mathew Quay, where they will be blessed at an ecumenical service on January 11 from 5pm.

Funds raised from this year’s donations will go towards several charities, including Marymount Hospital and Hospice, Westgate Senior Citizens Foundation, Tabor Lodge, and the Mercy Hospital Cancer Appeal.

Rotary Ireland assistant governor George Roche said the annual Tree of Remembrance has become “an institution” in Cork city after more than 20 years in operation.

“Our volunteers see first-hand how much it means to people to remember and honour departed family or friends by placing a ribbon on the tree,” said Mr Roche.

“Some people who were brought here as children are now bringing their own children along — they say it has become part of their Christmas ritual to visit the tree and remember their loved ones.

“It is really heartening to see that and to see people supporting the vital work which these charities do.

“With growing numbers availing of their services, these charities need our support more than ever, so we regard the Tree of Remembrance as a symbol of hope and gratitude as well as an opportunity for the community to rally round and support these great causes.”

The Rotary Tree of Remembrance, which is a registered charity, is a joint project between Rotary Club of Cork and the Rotary Club of Cork Bishopstown.

Each year, more than 200 volunteers give up their time to work on the project — accepting donations and hanging ribbons on behalf of the public.

Almost half of Ireland’s 67 rotary clubs organise a Tree of Remembrance in their local areas each year.