Partner Article

Learning disability charity to get green fingers

A Berkhamstead charity that supports young people and adults with learning disabilities is set to purchase a new greenhouse thanks to a donation from a leading UK housebuilder.

Persimmon Homes North London has selected Sunnyside Rural Trust to receive £1,000 as a part of its Community Champions scheme, which seeks to support local groups and charities working to improve the quality of life or environment for the community.

Sunnyside Rural Trust provide their members with training and employment opportunities including growing and selling fresh fruit and vegetables, poultry keeping and garden design and maintenance.

Keely Siddiqui Charlick, chief executive at Sunnyside Rural Trust, said: “We are currently working with a local school to develop an allotment on site for children aged between three and six to grow fruit, vegetables and salads.

“We believe it is important for children to get outdoors, know where food comes from and see the growing process.

“We have given our time to dig over the land, build raised beds, plant seeds and install a gate and suitable benches.

“This generous donation from Persimmon Homes North London will fund an amazing greenhouse so they can grow from seed and complete the makeover.”

The Community Champions initiative invites local groups and charities to bid for cash from a £750,000 national fund, with two donations of up to £1,000 being made in the region each month.

Greg Kaye, sales director for Persimmon Homes North London, said: “Sunnyside Rural Trust gives fantastic opportunities to those in the Berkhamstead area and we’re sure that their new greenhouse will be of great benefit to them.

“Persimmon Homes North London has had a fantastic response to its Community Champions scheme and it is always a tricky task to pick our winners each month.

“If applicants were unsuccessful last month, we urge them to visit the Persimmon Homes website and to try again and hopefully they will become our next Community Champion.”

Organisations can apply for funding by completing a simple online form at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ross Watson .