A garden of delights
Staff from a Hamilton supermarket helped a charity based in the town complete a sensory garden.
Workers from Sainsbury’s chose Action for Children/silverton Short Breaks as their project to celebrate the fact that both the supermarket giant and the charity had been in existence for 150 years.
Helen Allan, the public relations ambassador for the Hamilton supermarket, said: “We couldn’t think of a better way to help them celebrate than by giving them a completed sensory garden, so the kids could enjoy it over the summer.
“We had 25 amazing volunteers from our store who gave total commitment every day they were in the garden.
“From start to finish the team spirit was super positive. Come rain, hail, or shine, everyone mucked in.
“To see the difference we made each day made it worthwhile, especially to hear the reaction from the carers and the kids.”
The volunteers completed the project over a period of four weeks.
Helen added: “We used loads of paint and the end result is an extremely colourful garden with a sensory area with plants such as lavender and thyme.
“There are also wind chimes, solar lights and mirrors.”
Dawn Winters, manager at Silverton Short Breaks in Larch Grove, praised everyone at Sainsbury’s for their continuing commitment to the charity.
“What they have done this time round is phenomenal,” she said.
“But they have maintained a close relationship with us over seven years since the first time they did work here on the garden.
“This time they have turned the garden into a beautiful space for the children who come here – it has made some difference.
“It is a stimulating environment and has a really happy feel and will be a great influence on the 120 young people from all across South Lanarkshire who have short breaks with us.
“We would like to thank everyone involved from Sainsbury’s for a job well done.”
Helen added: “The help we were given from local business was truly amazing.
“Homebase in Hamilton provided 25 litres of outdoor paint, The Shed Centre in Hamilton built a playhut area for the kids to enjoy, Lipton & Sons donated a special dedication plaque for the garden, Biffa donated the skip hire and St Andrew’s Hospice raised over £1000 so we could buy items for the garden.
“I want to offer a heartfelt thanks to them all.”
Action For Children Silverton Short Breaks is a respite centre for after school care and respite for children and young adults 5-18 years of age who require additional support for autisim, learning disability and physical disability.