Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice is appealing for local individuals and businesses with their own vans volunteer in support of its Christmas tree recycling scheme in January 2027, following the success of the initiative over the past two years.

With a larger collection radius than ever before, Tŷ Hafan is calling for volunteers with vans help with collections in their local areas with real tree collections planned for Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Llanelli, as well as Bridgend, Newport, Vale of Glamorgan, Torfaen and Caerphilly County Borough.

With collections running from January 11 to 24, volunteering is very flexible. Volunteers can join for a day, the whole collection period, or whenever suits them. When you register to volunteer, you'll be joining a committed crew who are looking to spread some post-Christmas cheer and will be fully briefed before beginning collections. The deadline to register as a volunteer is Monday, January 4, 2027.

Every real Christmas tree collected will be recycled, helping to raise vital funds for Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, supporting its ambition for a Wales where no family lives their child’s short life alone.

Tŷ Hafan is one of only two children’s hospices in Wales, supporting around 300 children with life-shortening conditions and around 3,000 family members each year.

Tŷ Hafan provides specialist palliative care addressing the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of each member of the family. As well as end of life care it offers family support, complementary therapy, music therapy and outreach play both within the hospice and in the family home.

A child and his/her family can be referred to Tŷ Hafan at the time of diagnosis with care and support being provided throughout the course of the child’s condition, which can be for many years. However, currently Tŷ Hafan is only able to help one in 10 families who need its help.

Sue Dickson-Davies, Community Fundraising Manager, says, "Our Christmas tree recycling scheme is a fantastic way to connect with people across South Wales, and with a donation for each tree collected, it raises money for Tŷ Hafan to support us in walking alongside every family who needs us – through life, death and beyond.

"But we can't do it without generous individuals and businesses who are willing to lend us their time and vans.

"Collecting Christmas trees is a fun day out and a great way to volunteer for us after the festive season. You'll get that feel-good factor knowing that by giving up your time, you're directly helping a family in need."

So, could you donate your time and van to Tŷ Hafan in January? If so, find out more here.