More than £16,000 has been raised for North Devon Hospice from a not-for-profit tree planting initiative.
Trees For Good Causes CIC is celebrating the major milestone after handing over the funds to the charity.
The local non-profit community interest company (CIC) dedicated to tree planting, charity support and community wellbeing was delighted to announce it reached the significant milestone – raising £16,262.75 for North Devon Hospice through the sale of trees in partnership with local businesses.
The organisation says this achievement highlights the power of collaboration and the growing commitment to sustainability within local communities.
Funds were generated through tree planting initiatives where local businesses eager to contribute to environmental efforts and charitable causes made contributions.
For instance, Marshall Volkswagen in Barnstaple offered a tree planting option as an alternative to a complementary valet service when customers have their cars serviced. Additionally, the dealership planted trees as handover gifts on behalf of their customers.
“When we explain to our customers at Volkswagen Barnstaple the fantastic work done by Trees For Good Causes, they are always very willing to donate and support such a worthwhile initiative,” said general manager Mark Short. “We will certainly continue to support in any way we can going forwards.”
Similarly, Taylored Campervan Conversions, also based in Barnstaple, planted a tree for every eco conversion it installed.
These and other initiatives from businesses across the South West directly support the hospice’s mission to provide care to patients and families in need.
Georgie Taylor, managing director of Taylored Campervans, said: “As a campervan conversion company inspired by the beauty of the outdoors, sustainability lies at the core of everything we do.
“When we introduced our eco range of conversions, our aim was to create a meaningful impact – not only for the environment but also for the communities we serve.
“Two years ago, we proudly partnered with Trees for Good Causes, an initiative that plants trees locally for every eco conversion we create. Through this collaboration, Trees for Good Causes not only supports reforestation efforts but also provides vital funding to local organisations such as North Devon Hospice.
“North Devon Hospice stands as a symbol of compassion, committed to prioritising the needs of patients and their families.
“We are thrilled by the incredible donations raised through this initiative, which help sustain the hospice’s life-changing services.’’
Claire Paine, business relationship manager at the hospice, said: “We’re absolutely blown away by the amount raised for North Devon Hospice from this innovative tree planting initiative.
“Not only will these funds help us continue to provide wrap-around care for people in our community at a time when it’s needed most, but it will also help to ensure that North Devon remains a stunning natural haven for everyone to enjoy.
“Our heartfelt thanks to the Trees for Good Causes team for their continued support and to the generous businesses who have taken part in this initiative.”
All trees sold through the Trees For Good Causes initiative are being planted locally in Devon and Somerset, with some as little as five miles away from the businesses that donated to plant them. In addition, the CIC hosted a special volunteer tree-planting day at the Fern Animal Sanctuary in Somerset.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supports our tree-planting initiative,” said Edward Prouse, director of Trees For Good Causes. “Not only have we raised vital funds for local hospices, but we’re also making a tangible impact on our environment and local wildlife. It’s a win-win for our communities.”
Since the pilot project launched in late 2021, the initiative has gained numerous supporters, including businesses and individuals.
Joanna Benbow, director of Trees For Good Causes, said: “We would like to thank our business partners, supporters, and volunteers whose contributions made this incredible milestone possible. We’re excited about what the future holds. We plan to expand our mission to other locations across the UK, plant more trees, and support additional hospices in new regions.”