Ayrshire’s Tree of Remembrance Raises £6,600 for Local Charities

The generosity of the Ayrshire public has helped raise thousands of pounds for local causes, with £6,600 donated to charity through the Tree of Remembrance initiative in Ayr town centre.

Organised by Ayr Rotary Club, the Tree of Remembrance was located on Ayr High Streetthroughout December, providing residents and visitors with an opportunity to remember loved ones while supporting vital community services.

Funds collected over the festive period have been shared between three Ayrshire-based charities: Whiteleys Retreat, Ayrshire Cancer Support, and The Ayrshire Hospice. Each organisation provides essential support to individuals and families across the region, and Rotary members described the total raised as an outstanding reflection of community spirit.

Rotary volunteers said donations came from people of all backgrounds, highlighting the inclusive nature of the appeal. Contributions ranged from passing shoppers and local families to visitors from further afield, including Tom, a London-based cigar sommelier and whisky ambassador, whose distinctive style caught the attention of organisers, as well as elderly residents who paused to thank volunteers for their efforts.

The Tree of Remembrance has long been a fixture of the town’s Christmas period, offering a quiet space for reflection amid the bustle of the High Street while also serving as a practical way to support local charities. Rotary representatives said the warmth and kindness shown throughout December reinforced the importance of community-led initiatives, particularly during the festive season.

Members of Ayr Rotary Club expressed their gratitude to everyone who stopped, donated, or shared a few words with volunteers, describing it as a privilege to once again be part of an event that brings people together while making a meaningful difference across Ayrshire.