Fortec Distribution Network has teamed up with Cadeby Trees – a wholesale corporate client and specialist tree grower based in Hinckley – to gift two trees to Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice at their locations in Middlesbrough and Liverpool.
Two Fortec members – Teesside logistics firm, Devereux Transport, and Merseyside company, Lombard Shipping – have also come on board to deliver the trees free-of-charge to their final destinations, where they will light up the hospice entrances in the run up to Christmas.
Fortec has been fundraising for Zoë’s Place for almost a decade. The network’s Managing Director says the idea is about doing something extra special for the charity so that babies and children can have a tiny bit of Christmas magic as they receive palliative, respite and end-of-life care at the hospices.
“It’s heart-warming that we’ve been able to bring some of our valued partnerships together to make this happen. The Christmas trees will stand tall outside the doors to the hospices and will be decorated in lights and baubles for everyone to see. We hope they’ll bring a smile to the faces of the children and their families during what is a very difficult time,” said Adrian Bradley.
“The services Zoë’s Place provides are more vital now during COVID than ever before, and we wanted to spread a little joy over the Christmas period in addition to our ongoing fundraising efforts as a company. We can’t thank Cadeby Trees and our two network members, Devereux Transport and Lombard Shipping, enough for their support.”
Fortec Distribution Network has raised over £27,000 for Zoë’s Place since 2011, and will continue its fundraising activities throughout 2021.
Christian Bonshor, General Manager at Cadeby Trees added: “We only began trading with Fortec in September 2020, so we feel honoured to be asked to support their idea. We distribute over 160,000 high-quality trees a year from our farm to retail stores UK-wide, but our donation to Zoë’s Place is particularly special because of the important services they provide. We are very fortunate as a company to be able to give back in this way, and we hope our wonderful trees will bring the children and their families a little joy.”
Wendy Reason, Director of Development, Marketing and Communications, Zoë’s Place says the charity suffered significantly in the first wave of the Coronavirus pandemic, closing its doors for a period of five months from the end of March to the beginning of August.
“Zoë’s Place is now only able to offer a reduced level of service that comprises 3-4 days/nights a week, with no more than three children in the hospice at any one time. Usually, we would be open 24/7 to ensure all of our babies, infants and their families are cared for,” said Wendy.
“Our care team has been working really hard to ensure our hospices remain safe and COVID compliant, however, in order for us to do so, we have removed excess furniture, toys and accessories from all three hospices.
“It is for this reason - and the safety of our children - that we will not be erecting Christmas trees inside the hospices this year, so the outdoor Christmas trees that are being donated by Fortec and its members are a welcome festive addition to Zoë’s Place. We thank them for their support.”
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