Man raises £1,400 for children's causes by collecting Christmas trees

Rod Wisniewski collected Christmas trees for recycling and raised £1,400, which he split between Link2 and a fund for a child needing an eye-powered wheelchair.

Rod Wisniewski, 70, from Sherborne St John, has spent several Christmases raising money by collecting trees for recycling and dressing as Santa to entertain children. After the holidays he collects trees in and around Basingstoke for a minimum donation and passes the proceeds to charity. This year he raised exactly £1,400 and presented the cheque to causes he supports. Mr Wisniewski is a foster carer of 25 years and has said the activity began as something to do after he lost his wife. Noted details: - Mr Wisniewski collected donations in cash and via GoFundMe and added a personal contribution to reach £1,400. - A minimum donation of £10 was requested for Christmas tree collection and all trees were taken for recycling. - The money was split between Link2, a club that supports young adults with learning disabilities, and the Malita Norgrove EyeGaze power wheelchair appeal. - Malita's fundraiser had reached £4,545 toward a £20,000 target at the time of reporting. - The cheque presentation included members of the Norgrove family and local representatives, and Mr Wisniewski thanked supporters including Aurora World and Chineham Club. Summary: The donations paid part of the costs for the eye‑powered wheelchair and provided funds to Link2's activities supporting young adults with learning disabilities. Undetermined at this time.