Sowing Seeds of Compassion for International Day of Charity

In celebration of International Day of Charity, I teamed up with Better Bankside, a local community organisation, to rejuvenate the gardens at Lucy Brown House, a housing complex for the elderly. Our UK office is committed to making a positive impact in the community, and partnering with Better Bankside, which works tirelessly to enhance the Bankside area for everyone, has been instrumental in strengthening our local presence. Their work in connecting businesses, and organising enriching events focused on education, wellness, and community-building, while also ensuring the sustainability of the area, makes them a true asset to the community—one we’re proud to support.

Lucy Brown House has been a cherished home for its residents since the late 1980s, offering well-maintained accommodation with small balconies that overlook the community gardens. The residents have lovingly adorned their spaces with hanging baskets and personalised garden ornaments, adding to the charm of this special place.

Alongside 25 volunteers from other local businesses, we began the day by clearing the areas we would be working on, moving soil and organising tools. We split into teams, each handling tasks like pulling weeds, replanting hanging baskets, and planting fresh flowers and bulbs. We also took the time to assist residents with their garden requests.

Most of my time was spent planting bulbs in the grassy areas that the back balconies overlook. And, in true London fashion, the rain joined us! However, working side by side with other volunteers to create beautiful spaces for the residents helped us all forget about the weather. It was exciting to think about how the gardens would bloom in the spring—by the end of the day, we had planted 300 bulbs across two gardens.

Later, I helped clear one resident’s front garden, doing simple yet impactful tasks like removing old leaves and weeds and refreshing her hanging baskets with bright new flowers. What may seem like a small effort to me will undoubtedly make a big difference to her, as she can now enjoy her outdoor space for the last few days of summer.

We wrapped up the day with a well-deserved cup of tea, sharing stories of our work while still a little wet and muddy, but all in high spirits. As we reflected on the progress we made despite the rain, we could already picture the vibrant colours that would bloom next spring. This experience was a powerful reminder that even the smallest actions can have a huge impact on others. It’s made me more mindful of the “small things” I do each day and how they might mean something much bigger to someone else.

As Michael Pollan wisely said, “The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway.” For the elderly residents of Lucy Brown House, this space becomes even more profound—a place where they can engage with nature in a way that is restorative, rewarding, and enriching. Gardening, in many ways, allows them to meet nature on their terms, creating a bond that nurtures both the gardener and the garden.

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