Charity volunteers launch virtual open gardens event to help bridge NSPCC’s funding gap

• Volunteers in Wales respond to NSPCC’s emergency fundraising appeal with virtual open gardens
• The online fundraiser will help close a £13,000 gap usually raised by open garden events for the children’s charity
• NSPCC Cymru appeals for green-fingered garden enthusiasts to get involved

With beloved open garden events cancelled across Wales, volunteers have responded to the NSPCC’s emergency fundraising appeal by getting together (virtually) to launch an online open gardens fundraiser.

Open garden events raise around £13,000 for the children’s charity every year, thanks to its dedicated branch and district volunteers and their love of gardens.

The event will enable garden enthusiasts to virtually explore gardens across Wales and England, and provide an opportunity to share their own garden creations with others.

NSPCC Cymru’s Community Fundraising Manager for North Wales, Jess Finnegan said: “We wouldn’t be able to support the children and families we do at the NSPCC without our volunteers and supporters.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response so far and are calling on all green thumb enthusiasts, window box fanatics and garden shoe box creators to get involved and enter the NSPCC’s first Virtual Open Garden event.”

Sophia Drew first supported the children’s charity more than 70 years ago following the Second World War, collecting pennies with her sister Isabel.

Now a volunteer with Prestatyn Friends of NSPCC, Sophia held a garden party in 2019 to raise funds.

She says “It’s a real shame we can’t hold a garden party like we did last year, but it’s lovely that people from across Wales are coming together to share their gardens and help raise funds at the same time.

“I am one of five children and we had a wonderful childhood but I know that this is not the case for all children and the NSPCC provides such a vital service to help and protect vulnerable children in our society.

“I’ve been raising money for the NSPCC for a long time, but this is the first time I’ve been part of a virtual event, and it’s wonderful to have so many people getting involved and being able to explore their gardens online.”

The event is being hosted via a dedicated Facebook page, anyone is able to enter, and those keen to get involved will be asked to make a donation via Just Giving.

The NSPCC relies on public support for 90% of its income and continues to adapt the way it works to support children at a time when schools remain closed and vulnerable children are at risk.

Volunteer Hilary Drew, and former teacher, is the Chair of the NSPCC’s St Hilary Fundraising Committee in South Wales.

She says: “In times like these, it is now more important than ever to consider the children who will rely on the help and support of the NSPCC.

“A virtual open garden is a novel idea and fitting replacement in these unprecedented times for the usual open gardens scheme.”

The money raised will help fund NSPCC services, which support children and their families in Wales.

Earlier this month, NSPCC Cymru announced a new Wales-wide direct service offer, called In Ctrl, to help protect vulnerable children stay safe online as the charity revealed how abusers are targeting young people in their digital worlds.

Childline volunteers based in Prestatyn and Cardiff, two of twelve Childline bases across the UK, have delivering counselling sessions to children and young people, some who are feeling anxious, unsafe, or having suicidal thoughts and feelings.

As well as being able to view plenty of gardens, there will be interactive activities to get involved in, including garden-themed colouring print outs, spot the difference (actual gardens), and garden shopping lists.

Photo entries can be received via virtualopengardens@nspcc.org.uk, with first name and location (optional).

To find out more about the NSPCC’s Virtual Open Gardens event or to sign up visit www.facebook.com/NSPCCVOG/ or the JustGiving page for the event.

For more information about the In Ctrl service contact 02920 108080 or 01792 456545.

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free and confidential advice on 0808 800 5000 or visit nspcc.org.uk

Children can contact Childline for free on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk 365 days a year, and speak to a counsellor about a worry or concern they may have.