Samuel, 11, teams up with Co-op in flower stall idea
FLOWER stall profits totalling £662 were donated by Samuel Bader, 11, to help local families who may have struggled over lockdown.
In partnership with the Channel Islands Co-Operative Society, the amount will be matched to total £1,324 to go to foodbanks.
Samuel said: ‘I heard in lockdown that a lot of businesses and people couldn’t work or make money for their families.
‘When we went into the Co-Op as soon as I saw the foodbanks the idea came to me to contact them to make a partnership.
‘I’ve been wanting to work for a charity for a bit and wanted to do it for them. Dad works by florists [Classic Flowers] and they make really nice flowers.’
Online advertising on social media has helped sales, as well as marking the stall on Google Maps.
‘Flowers cheer people up, and in lockdown people couldn’t get flowers like normal from the shops.
‘It’s been really nice because when I went outside, nine times out of 10 I would see someone there and had a conversation with them. Most of the people were buying for their friends in isolation.’
Channel Islands Co-Operative Society president Paula Williams said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to support Samuel and his initiative.
‘It’s a brilliant idea, and in troubling times it’s great to see how people step up to make a difference. All of us doing our bit, no matter how small, can add up to make a really big difference.
‘Kindness is one of the most important human traits that we have, especially through times of uncertainty. Creating lovely experiences for people must run in the family.’
‘Well done Samuel and thank you for running your flower stall to help people – it’s not just cool, it’s inspiring. The Co-Operative likes supporting local initiatives and we are all about making a difference in the community.’
Chris Bader, Samuel’s father and Bean14 owner, said it has been a learning curve for them both.
‘Samuel has done exceptionally well.
‘He’s moving up to secondary school from St Martin’s primary, who have been fantastic.’
Samuel was inspired after his school donated to a foodbank at Christmas.
‘His flower stall came about because he wanted a phone, and after breaking down the costs we worked out cleaning the car wouldn’t cut it.
‘Natalia [of Classic Flowers] picks the flowers from the greenhouse and I bring them home after work.
‘It’s Samuel’s job to order them in the morning.’
When he’s older, Samuel wants to be a gamer, footballer, lawyer or work for dad’s business.
n visit: https://g.page/samuels-flower-stall?share to find Samuel’s Flower Stall.
