Thank you three million times
GROW Ltd has smashed its £3m. fundraising challenge to complete the redevelopment of its site at the Coutanchez, with the final £325,000 raised in less than two months.
Patrons of the charity, Guy and Julia Hands, proposed that they would pledge the remaining £125,000 if Grow’s fundraising efforts could raise £375,000 by the end of August.
Directors, staff and crew members congregated at the Coutanchez site yesterday to celebrate.
‘It is brilliant that we’ve reached our target, it is a really happy day for us as an organisation,’ said Grow chairman Mark Dunster.
‘It represents the kindness of Guernsey people who have helped us to achieve this massive team effort.’
The total amount of money raised has reached £3,019,629 – stretching beyond the challenge set by Mr and Mrs Hands.
The charity accepted the challenge early in July, and, with a strong local media campaign, encouraged islanders to get behind the appeal.
‘Twelve months ago we had a difficult decision to make, we could wait to raise the money and then start building, or get the ball rolling and raise while we built,’ said Mr Dunster. ‘We took the chance and now it is all coming together.’
Members of Grow’s ‘crew’, its supported workforce, have been visiting the redevelopment site regularly to see the progress.
Tom Lowe and Roger Lawrence were over the moon that they had reached their fundraising goal.
‘I think it’s really good we made it and I’m excited to use the new building,’ said Roger.
‘I’m excited for all of it, but especially the new cafe,’ added Tom.
Crew member Heather Brown said that she was proud of everyone for raising the money, and it was a great opportunity for the crew to learn new skills.
Donations from £10 to many thousands of pounds had been made to Grow during the final few weeks of the challenge.
‘We have been humbled and overwhelmed in equal measure by the generosity of local people,’ said Mr Dunster.
Construction work continues on site and is scheduled for completion on time in April or May next year, and remains on budget.
It is intended that there will be a ‘soft’ opening, with the site not accessible to the public until the crew and staff are fully confident in their new environment.
An official opening is planned for mid-July.
