Perennial’s 2015 HortAid campaign was given another boost at the end of last month as guests at the UK Grower Awards and the Garden Retail Awards dug deep to raise £1,540 for their trade charity. Perennial is proud to be the charity partner for both events, which celebrate the best in UK commercial growing and garden retail, and hopes the association with the Awards and host Horticulture Week magazine continues to go from strength to strength.
Speaking about the amount raised, and the partnership, Perennial’s Director of Marketing and Development Anita Bates says, “We are continually humbled and surprised by the strength of feeling and support UK horticulturists give when they discover what Perennial does and who we help and we would like to thank Horticulture Week and Haymarket for their continued support.
“We rely on the generosity of companies and individuals to enable us to provide our services to horticulturists in need of help, and are confident that we will continue to forge partnerships and make new contacts in partnership with Awards events throughout 2015.”
Events such as these are an important part of the annual fundraising mix for Perennial. They are a chance to meet existing supporters and let more people know about the work of the charity and its need for support. A new Perennial Partner was confirmed at the Garden Retail Awards: the Patio Black Spot Removal Company, based in Elstead, Surrey.
Perennial Chairman, Dougal Philip of New Hopetoun Gardens, picked up a Lifetime Achievement award at the Garden Retail Awards. He says, “I was of course thrilled to be recognised at the Garden Retail Awards although I sincerely hope my lifetime’s achievements are not yet spent! I believe that a love of horticulture and a dedication to providing excellent customer service and satisfaction is paramount to success in this business, coupled of course with a good dose of luck and fair weather. My association with Perennial has only confirmed this and I am proud to be helping our industry’s benevolent charity spread the word about the incredible services they provide to those who need a helping hand.”
The help that Perennial gives is needed now more than ever. Over the last five years there has been a general trend of increasing client numbers. Factors directly responsible for this rise have been effects of the economic downturn, changes to the benefits system and increased awareness of Perennial.
In 2014, Perennial assisted its clients in accessing over £1.43million in direct financial help.It continues to help each client for as long as it is needed, however during 2014, 30% of people helped were new clients who had not contacted Perennial before.
Anyone can raise money for Perennial and there are plenty of ideas on the Perennial website to help get you started. Visit www.perennial.org.uk/hortaid to find out more.
