Feel-good Friday

Every year, a variety of teams across the country come together for an inspiring tradition of collecting Christmas trees to recycle in aid of local hospices.

The idea came about seven-years ago from a conversation when volunteers were cleaning up the garden of a local hospice. Recently crowned Community Hero, Workplace Coach Tim Hyde, learned there was an opportunity to assist with their fundraising efforts. And so, the idea for the tree collection campaign was born.

‘At a time when many people are feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis, it can be difficult to ask for monetary donation – we realised that donating our time was just as valuable,’ said Tim, of Medway Mail Centre in Kent.

Since then, when the holidays roll around, hospices across the country run a campaign encouraging people to donate their Christmas trees for recycling. While the hospice handles the tree donations in advance, the Royal Mail team then steps in with volunteers to help collect the trees.

This has been a collective effort from all corners of the business; from Debbie Wilson and Stuart Murphy in Fleet to Plant Managers Tom Bailey and John Doyle, our OPLs, drivers, and posties —everyone has come together to lend a hand. Once volunteers are lined up, Fleet kindly lend the vans, and off the volunteers go ready to make a difference. Each round of collections sees vans carrying up to 15 trees, with most vans completing three to four rounds.  

A great example of success was seen by the team at Rotherham Delivery Office - Lead Customer Operations Manager Daniel Gill said: ‘When Tim approached us, Joe Scoot and I ran with it and the next thing I knew we had a long list of volunteers 15 people!’

‘I split the task of 195 trees down to area/office. As we had done so well and our local hospice, Bluebell Wood were let down by another courier, they asked if we could do another 35 in the Rotherham area – well how could I say no, when this is my home town! We ended up with roughly 230 trees and we collected them earlier than the planned deadline.’

In just the last year, this fundraiser has helped the hospices raise over £120,000. On top of all the good the collection does, this tradition has a ripple effect that showcases the positive impact of our brand in the community.

Tim said: ‘When people see our vans and our volunteers in their high-vis jackets, they’re genuinely appreciative of the work we’re doing. It reinforces the idea that we’re not just a business; we’re a part of the community who cares about the wellbeing of those around us.’

We know there are lots of amazing stories out there. Please share on Workplace or email your news to rmcommunications@royalmail.com.