Wigan couple urging people to donate unwanted trees to families who will go without this Christmas
Martin and Bex have launched the 'GIFTMAS TREE' campaign, after one of their children said someone at their school could not afford one
A couple from Wigan have launched a campaign to ensure every child in Greater Manchester has a Christmas tree in their homes this festive season, after one of their children mentioned someone at school could not afford a tree this year.
Martin and Bex, have taken action to try and ensure that ‘no child goes without the magic of Christmas in their homes’ by launching a Christmas Tree Exchange programme, dubbed GIFTMAS TREE.
The project, which was dreamt up by the couple after hearing the news, is designed to cost nothing to people wanting to help, by easily passing on their existing unwanted trees to those who are in need in their local area.
Martin said “We were made very aware of how difficult Christmas is going to be for some people this year, and whilst there are lots of amazing food and gift donation programmes around (which will be a massive help to all in need) we also know how important the magic of Christmas is. A Christmas tree is king in creating atmosphere and spreading a little sparkle in peoples’ homes during the season.
“We found two artificial trees in our loft which won’t be used and thought, how can we make sure that people who need it get them?
Bex continued “We want to spread the word and ask anyone with a spare tree – perhaps you might be buying a real one this year or have bought a bigger one this year – to put their unwanted trees on the site so we can help those who have no decorations in their homes feel more festive. We also just want to be really clear that this isn’t a paid brand campaign or anything like that, this is our idea.
"We just want to help and try to make a difference."
The couple have also reached out to Christmas Tree companies across Manchester to get involved in the programme, by encouraging donations to help those in need, along with the great British public.