The Worshipful Company of Gardeners is hosting a charity dinner on 8 May 2012 in aid of two worthy causes – Thrive and Perennial.
Thrive is the national charity that helps those touched by disability to transform their lives using gardening.
Perennial is the national charity for people who are working in, have worked in, or retired from the gardening trades, providing advice, help and support for horticulturists who are facing need or difficulties.
The dinner is being held at The Gibson Hall in the City of London which has been kindly donated for the evening.
There will be an auction on the night, with some fantastic lots, and an after dinner speaker.
Tickets are priced at £120 each and will be available to buy from the autumn.
Daniel Caspi, Master of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners, said: "Not only will this be a wonderful evening of fine dining and a superb charity auction, all attendees will be helping two very worthwhile charities that are close to the hearts of the Worshipful Company.
"Both Thrive and Perennial really do make a difference to people’s lives in a positive and fulfilling way, and I hope that we can raise a significant amount of money for them both at this event to ensure that in these challenging financial times they can continue helping people."
Here is an example of the people who will be helped by funds raised from the charity dinner and auction.
Thrive
Rebecca; a lovely teenager with a sweet smile, it’s just she has Downs syndrome. Before coming to Thrive she was struggling with school and unsettled at home. Thanks to Thrive’s practical approach to learning in a garden, Rebecca has become a happy and enthusiastic member of her gardening group and has built up her skills. Thrive focuses on helping Rebecca to work well alongside her fellow gardeners, think for herself, learn new skills and complete tasks well.
Mum Jocelyn says: "Thrive has been a breath of fresh air for Rebecca…My husband is a GP; I am a nurse and one of my daughters is an occupational therapist, so we all find the whole ethos of Thrive amazing for helping such a diverse group of people."
Perennial
Tanya was suffering from severe post-natal depression when she first got into contact with us. Her husband had left on the day their baby was born; she had little money and her self-esteem was very low.
As a gardener on a large estate living in tied accommodation, she was very worried about the practicalities of returning to work full-time and keeping a roof over her head. We were able to cover the cost of a childminder for her baby for one day a week while our Caseworker worked with Tanya to help her sort out her difficulties.
Together they prepared a request for flexible working and in due course Tanya's employer agreed to her returning part time while retaining her accommodation. Tanya is now back at work and coping well with life.