RedWelly to create winter wonderland
RedWelly is throwing down the challenge – and the spades – to company executives by unveiling a special opportunity for them to help create a Winter Wonderland Garden at the Nightingale Macmillan Unit on London Road in Derby, in time for Christmas.
As the Nightingale Macmillan Unit will be moving into the new hospital in 2009 the garden will be as ‘portable’ as possible, so that it too can be relocated.
A social enterprise company based in Derby, RedWelly transforms open spaces for the benefit of local communities, usually through team-building days in partnership with local businesses. Now, in the spirit of Christmas, it is organising a group makeover challenge incorporating representatives from different companies who wish to make a difference to those most in need.
Phil Smith, RedWelly’s Director, explained further: “We are hoping to involve senior representatives from a number of local companies, who will work together to create a wonderful winter garden, with a special Christmas theme. We hope that we can achieve this is just one day, so it will be quite a tall order.
“We are asking companies to ‘sponsor’ the ‘labourers’ for just £125 a head – although anything over and above that would be gratefully received!”
RedWelly will provide the expertise, the planning and the project management. They have the project, they have the designs, now they need a little assistance from local businesses – and hopefully some people willing to donate some plants, timber and Christmas decorations.
Julie Tydeman, Matron of the Nightingale Macmillan Unit said: “Having discussed the plans with RedWelly, we know that these garden improvements will benefit all our patients and visiting families. It’s really important to have a restful, attractive garden where people can sit and talk, or just look at the view from the windows.
“This can make a world of difference for our patients and our staff – we’re crossing our fingers that RedWelly gets the support it needs to make this happen.”
The Nightingale Macmillan unit currently has a small garden which needs brightening and improving and we hope to make the area immediately outside the entrance much more attractive and cheerful.
It is hoped that similar projects will be undertaken in Nottingham and Loughborough.
As Phil Smith concluded: “This is a wonderful way in which people can give a lot, without it impacting too highly on their budgets or indeed time. We also believe that it will be really good fun and provide a great deal of pleasure to many people.”
Media Enquiries: Sallie Blair, 01283 821012