Record year for Carlow's Remembrance Tree with almost €10k going to four local charities

Four local Carlow charities will receive cheques totalling €9,300 at Seven Oaks Hotel on Monday evening, as Rotary Carlow celebrates their most successful public fundraising campaign for its Remembrance Tree in years.

St Vincent de Paul, Éist Cancer Support Centre, and Delta Centre Carlow will each receive €2,300, whilst Bethany House Day Centre will receive €2,400 in recognition of providing electricity for the tree’s lights throughout the campaign.

The presentation ceremony will bring together the sponsors, volunteers, and community partners who made this year’s campaign possible.

Certificates of appreciation will also be presented to transition year students from St Leo’s College, Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach, Knockbeg College, and Tyndall College, whose participation helped drive this year’s success, with each school also receiving a token cheque as a thank you for their involvement.

Peter Pudaite, President of Rotary Carlow, attributed the record result to the exceptional volunteer effort.

“This year saw something special,” he said. “With over 110 volunteers including 40 students from four local schools, we had unprecedented community involvement. The energy and commitment they brought to Barrack Street made all the difference.”

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Founded by Rotary Carlow in 2011, the Rotary Remembrance Tree is now in its 15th year as a cherished Carlow Christmas tradition.

The club coordinates the entire campaign, from organising volunteers and managing logistics to building partnerships with schools, charities, and sponsors. The initiative invites people of all faiths and backgrounds to tie ribbons on the tree in memory of loved ones - family, friends, pets, or anyone who cannot be with them at Christmas.

Peter Pudaite paid tribute to the campaign’s corporate partners.

“Unum Ireland, our Platinum Sponsor, has supported the Remembrance Tree for as long as anyone can remember. Their commitment, alongside Gold Sponsor TouchPoint Media and Silver Sponsor Seven Oaks Hotel (who have supported us year-round since Rotary Carlow was founded) makes this community tradition possible.

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“We’re also grateful to our supporters: Lucidity Factory, AIB, Carlow Credit Union, Thomas Byrne & Son, and Hickson’s Centra.”

Representatives from all four beneficiary charities will attend the ceremony to receive their cheques, alongside volunteers, sponsors, and community supporters.

The Rotary Remembrance Tree will return to Barrack Street in December 2026.

Rotary Carlow welcomes new members, both individuals and businesses, who want to make a difference. To find out more about joining or supporting the club, visit rotarycarlow.org or contact hello@rotarycarlow.org.