Grow launches bid to complete fundraising
DECORATIVE glass coasters are being offered to local businesses in return for donations, as Grow strives to raise the second half of the £3m. needed to redevelop its headquarters.
Grow, the Guernsey Rural Occupational Workshop, is a charity aiming to provide a safe and secure working environment for people with learning and other disabilities.
Its base at Les Petits Quartiers is undergoing an overhaul, but half of the funding still needs to be found.
Businesses with up to 50 staff are being invited to donate £1,000, and in return they will receive up to 100 Grow-branded 'Be a Pane in our Glass' coasters.
Larger companies would be asked for £2,000 in return for 200. ‘It’s important for us to involve the whole island because Grow supports the whole island,’ said director Marguerite Talmage.
She added that reaching the halfway mark in its funding goal has made the team over the moon.
‘It has given us the confidence to say we’re going to finish on schedule.’
Demolition of the site began two weeks ago ahead of work to construct a two-storey building housing a large workshop and retail area, a health suite and wellbeing centre, canteens for staff and crew, and a better-suited visitor car park.
‘We’re delighted to be seeing progress,’ said Mrs Talmage.
Grow has relocated temporarily to the Avondale Vinery site in Oatlands Lane.
The Institute of Directors sponsored the launch at its annual convention last night, which was focusing this year on sustainability in the island.
Some 500 succulent plants were donated by Grow to attendees.
There were six crew members on hand to assist with the launch.
Assistant manager Jess Aughton said: ‘When the guys and girls come to us we build on their skill set.
‘It means we can put on events through what they have learned – they’ve seen it from beginning to end,’ she said.
Members of the public can also purchase the coasters, which cost £10.
Three different designs are available, and they can be bought from Creasey’s Home Store, Health Connections and Grow, and a number of other outlets across the island.
Businesses interested in donating should contact Mrs Talmage on 07911 719081 or Grow manager Eddie Higgins on 01481 721865.
