In Aid of Marymount Hospice and COPE Foundation

Cork, 30th November 2009: Cork and Bishopstown Rotary clubs launched today their annual Christmas fundraising campaign in aid of Marymount Hospice and the COPE Foundation.  A gathering of Cork Rotarians, representatives from the two charities and business people attended the launch, in the Metropole Hotel, to learn more about the challenges facing these two worthy causes and how the people of Cork can support Marymount and COPE.

Over the past seven years the Rotary Tree of Remembrance has provided a wonderful opportunity for people to remember loved ones in the middle of the Christmas rush, while contributing to local charities. Almost €100,000 has been raised by the two Rotary clubs.  It has grown in popularity and is very much a part of Christmas in Cork.

 A very simple idea but one that is at the heart of the people of Cork, the Rotary Tree of Remembrance provides a visual aid to remembering loved ones at Christmas. Individuals have the opportunity to write a simple message on a ribbon and then it is put up on the Tree of Remembrance. Over the twelve day period, in the run up to Christmas Day, the tree becomes a sea of yellow with thousands of ribbons. For the people of Cork it is a way of showing that loved ones are not forgotten and can provide great comfort to them.

 Speaking on the Christmas Tree of Remembrance organiser Ger Kilcommons, Bishopstown Rotary, commented “The support for the Tree of Remembrance has grown substantially over the past seven years. It is very humbling to see so many people write messages to family and friends. It is a wonderful sight to see; people of all ages and nationalities coming up to the tree and supporting worthy charities. We have been privileged to hear some of the stories behind the messages and it makes you feel that you are making a difference”.

 The Rotary Tree of Remembrance will take pride of place outside Brown Thomas from December 12th to 24th.  The Tree will be officially opened by Cllr. Dara Murphy, Lord Mayor of Cork at 1pm and followed by a special blessing by Reverend Father Sylvester and Canon George Salter.  Both Rotary clubs are encouraging people to attend the event.  Special tribute was made to Cork City Council, Cork Fire Brigade and an Garda Siochana for their continuous support.

 Organiser Tom Woodward, Cork Rotary Club said, “While this year’s Christmas will be tougher than before, and many people will have worries, the tree offers a moment of reflection and a time to remember loved ones in a special and simple way. We hope that people will take a look at the tree, with each ribbon having its own story of love and sadness, and that the true spirit of Christmas will be made evident for one special moment.  While there is no charge, donations are welcome. ”

 The funds raised for Marymount will go towards the cost of the new hospice project currently under construction at Ballineaspig More on the Waterfall Road.  This is a key part of the health infrastructure in Cork and Kerry that will enable Marymount to fulfil its role as the regional centre for palliative care.  It will increase the number of palliative care beds from the current 24 to 44, but more importantly, it will provide a modern, fit-for-purpose environment for the full programme of palliative care services, inpatient care, outpatient services, day care, community-based care, education and consultancy.  The total cost of the project is €55 million, with €3 million still to be raised from local fundraising. 

 The funds raised for the COPE Foundation will go towards the cost of a new development in Mayfield consisting of three single story houses incorporating fourteen beds and a day centre.  The development will provide respite care for children with varying levels of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder.  The total cost of the project is in excess of €1.8 million.

 Charities that have benefited from funds raised at the tree include: COPE Foundation, Marymount Hospice, Children’s Leukaemia Ward Mercy Hospital, ARC Cancer Support, Alzheimer’s Society Cork, Lavanagh Centre / Enable Ireland, and many more.