Celebrating the love and legacy of the 'Christmas Tree lady'

“Our customers love to visit us year on year, almost as a tradition, reconnecting with our wonderful mother, reflecting on the year past and purchasing a tree – knowing they’re also helping The Salvation Army and their wonderful work, at a time of the year that is precious to so many.” – Kerri, daughter of Beverley, the ‘Christmas tree lady’

After Beverley’s son started growing trees on family farming land near Ballarat (Vic.), Beverley, her children and other family members, began to take time from their other busy jobs and businesses to sell Christmas trees in Melbourne. This year will be their 33rd.

Over that time, one quarter of all profits (well over $220,000) has been donated to support the work of The Salvation Army, and, along the way, Beverley became known as the ‘Christmas tree lady’ to hundreds of regular customers.

Families returned year after year – some of the original children, with their children – not only to pick the perfect tree and support the Salvos, but also to re-connect with Beverley’s warm and caring personality.

A Christmas of loss and love

Sadly, close to Christmas time last year, Beverley unexpectedly passed away.

Her daughter Kerri, who together with her siblings and wider family is carrying on the Christmas tree tradition, says even though the family knew how special Beverley was to the families who bought trees, they were still moved by the outpouring of love from their regular Christmas tree customers.

Kerri says: “I know everyone loves their mum dearly, but she was very special to many.

“Last Christmas [hearing she had passed away] there were so many tears and so many lovely stories. There was such a warmth around the site at Christmas time. Knowing the important role she had played at Christmas to so many people was humbling.

“Mum’s customers ranged from surgeons to sports stars to ordinary people – and they would chat about how their year had been. Mum’s extraordinary memory and genuine interest would link through the years, and people would look forward to the catch-up and reflection on the year.”

Many customers and friends left messages last year, summed up by one that reads: “Dear Beverley. It has been our family tradition for about 15 years to come and purchase our tree from you and the highlight was to see your smiling face and have a lovely chat. You embodied the spirit of Christmas for my family …”

Giving hope to others at Christmas time

When the family first began selling trees, they decided they would donate a significant amount to help others.

Kerri explains her grandmother (Beverley’s mother) had singlehandedly raised her family – after her husband’s troubled return from fighting in the Second World War.

“Our Grandmother Jessie, who lived in Ballarat, had a close neighbour whose son-in-law was part of The Salvation Army. He would organise for the grandmas to attend celebration afternoons, and to hear the carols at Christmas. He was a lovely man and very kind to them.”

Kerri says the family had always felt a strong connection to the Salvos, but had also heard many more stories since they started selling trees.

She says: “What is so lovely is that some of our customers include people who have had an association with The Salvation Army. We have a lovely customer who arrived in Australia as a refugee and received support from The Salvation Army. He now has a successful business and every year he visits our site and buys a tree, and he also makes a larger donation each year to go directly to the Salvos.

“Another lovely woman who came to Australia fleeing persecution was also very special to Mum. She was also helped by The Salvation Army when she first arrived in Australia. Every year she would bring a baked or homemade present for Mum and they would spend hours talking.”

A friend to many at Christmas time

Selling Christmas trees, on top of other jobs and businesses every year is tiring, but satisfying, Kerri says.

“Although it is incredibly hard work at such a busy time of the year, we all work together as a family to make it happen. And the joy of reconnection year after year, the conversations had, the lovely people you meet and their fondness and connection with The Salvation Army make it extremely rewarding and worthwhile.”

Kerri says Beverley often reminded children as they came to help pick out their tree, that they were also helping other children to have a present under the tree and food on the table.
“In this big world, we are all very capable of falling on hard times just as easily as we are of getting out of hard times if there is someone to give us a helping hand. It can happen to any of us,” Kerri says. “That understanding, compassion and the simple morals of what is right, is part of Mum’s legacy. We will all strive to carry those with us in our lives.

“She has laid such a wonderful foundation for us to continue on with this work!”