Men's Shed's unique Christmas tree to be auctioned for hospice
A unique Christmas tree made by Westmeath Men’s Sheds, is to be auctioned at the North Westmeath Hospice event this Saturday night – the Festival of Trees Ball.
The tree, which has been called ‘The Wheel of Life’, has been made from old wheels from bicycles, wheelchairs, pushchairs and prams.
Representing the Men’s Sheds, TP O’Gorman said: “This project that was completed as part of ‘National Reuse Month’ (October) and it has brought Men’s Sheds from Westmeath together to work on a combined project for a very good cause and everyone involved has benefited greatly.
“It’s important that men keep active and keep in touch with people as all too often they can become isolated, but there is a super increase in the numbers of sheds popping up around the country, and a project like this has strengthened the relationships between our own counties’ sheds.”
The ‘Wheel of Life’’ rises in circles in decreasing size and represents the manner in which our life moves in various circles from infancy through childhood and beyond.
The unbroken circles represent the ever continuing ebb and flow of people coming and going through this amazing world, while the spokes of the wheels represent how individuals reach out and connect with others to form the circle of humanity that gives structure and support to this often difficult, crazy, yet wondrous world.
Veronica Larkin, North Westmeath Hospice, said: “The Tree is a credit to the Men’s Sheds Groups - its representation of the human life cycle and the importance of support to each other reflects the work carried out by our Hospice – 170 people received ‘end of life’ care from the Hospice last year and we need to raise €250,000 annually to maintain the current five day service... that is why we are so thankful for the Men’s Shed commitment and support of our fundraiser.”
Ruth Maxwell, evironmental awareness officer for Westmeath County Council, said: “October has been dedicated as ‘National Reuse Month’, a month to rethink our actions and give new life to old items, thereby extending the life of the item while preventing it going to landfill for disposal and, with this in mind, a competition was held to invite participants to make Christmas decorations from recycled materials that would run in conjunction with the Men’s Shed project.
“We were overwhelmed by the imagination and creativity of the entries on view on the tree and they will be auctioned with the tree.
“This initiative highlights the endless possibilities available to us to rethink our Christmas habits and consider a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option, other than necessitating the cutting down of a real tree at this time of year, or buying more overly packaged artificial trees and decorations.”
Westmeath County Council, as sponsors of the tree, also added their own gifts to the tree. Ms Maxwell added: “These gifts include: an annual family pass to Belvedere House, Garden and Park worth €155, a Lifetime Licence for a dog worth €140, a pass for a year for parking in any Westmeath County Council car park. This tree is a unique piece that would be a statement piece for any business for years to come and the gifts can be used by the purchaser or as gifts for customers or employees.”
The ‘Wheel of Life’ tree was on display in the Atrium, Áras an Chontae before being moved to Mullingar Park Hotel in advance of the Hospice Gala ‘Festival of Trees’ Ball on Saturday night, November 17.