Castlebar Rotary's Tree of Remembrance project is running online this Christmas

Castlebar Rotary has announced that its flagship fundraising project, the Tree of Remembrance, will run again this year.

However, this year because of COVID-19 restrictions, the project will be going online during December with a Virtual Tree of Remembrance.

The purpose of the tree is to give members of the public an opportunity to remember loved ones at Christmas while supporting a local charity with a voluntary donation.

All dedications will be prayed for at a Mass in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar at 10 a.m. on December 28.

You can find the Virtual Tree of Remembrance on https://www.visufund.com/mayoremembers

Since this fundraising event started in 2008, it has raised almost €40,000 for local charities.

This year the Rotary Club have again partnered with Mayo Mental Health Association to support them in their work of promoting positive mental health in the community.

Rotary Club President Joe Beirne, in launching the event, said: “Sadly, due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are unable to host our usual Tree of Remembrance on Hopkins Road.

"However, this year especially due to the impact of Covid-19, we all want and need the opportunity to remember loved ones – our reasons to remember are endless and personal to each one of us.

"We are appealing to the public to visit the Virtual Tree of Remembrance and take part in this very unique project.

"We are delighted to be partnering with Mayo Mental Health Association again this year and supporting them in the vital service they provide to the community, especially in these challenging times”

Niall Dunne, manager of Mayo Mental Health Association, said: “Our organisation which promotes positive mental health is delighted to be involved with this special event. It is both a reflection and connection through the Tree of Remembrance.

"It’s a gentle reminder that we all go through various troubles in our lives.

"This year has been an extremely difficult year in so many ways for people. Remembrance has never been so much to the fore.”

He thanked all in Castlebar Rotary for their continued support to Mayo MHA.

Your mental health belongs to you, mind it, share it, and above all don’t hide it.