The Rotary Tree of Remembrance has become part of the fabric of Christmas in Cork over the past 20 years. It is a partnership between the Rotary Clubs of Cork and Bishopstown.
Each December, in the run up to Christmas, a giant Christmas tree is erected in the city centre. Members of the public are then invited to remember their loved ones by writing a message on a yellow ribbon and attaching it to the tree. A financial contribution for each ribbon is suggested but is not mandatory. All funds raised are shared among local charities.
In 2019 the total amount raised from the tree exceeded 100,000 Euros. Even in 2020 when fund raising was seriously impacted by Covid-19, more than 60,000 Euros was collected.
A Remembrance Tree dedication app has been developed to facilitate online donations. It can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store by searching for The Rotary Tree of Remembrance. Dedications made through the app will be transferred to ribbons and attached to the tree by Rotary volunteers. The app is intended to facilitate those who wish to donate but are not in a position to physically attend at the tree.
