Widgit Volunteer Day Part II: Evergreen School, Warwick

August 2024

Following the successful completion of Evergreen School's mobile music classroom project in spring, the Widgit team were honoured to be invited to the Deansway campus this August to participate in another meaningful initiative. In memory of students who had sadly passed away, the school sought to create a peace garden – both as a place of solace and reflection, and for all the school community to enjoy for the years to come.

Discussing the specific requirements of the space in the weeks beforehand, our CEO Cate Rae together with Widgit colleagues then headed out to our local family-owned garden centre – who while assisting with our choice of plants – generously discounted our final four trollies full of perennials, shrubs and grasses!

After successfully delivering the plants, the Widgit team made plans to attend the campus over two days; firstly to prep the site, install planters and plant the flower beds, and secondly to lay the turf, water the grass, and sweep up.

Armed with gardening tools and a haul of healthy vegetation, our troupe of dedicated volunteers set to work in the sunshine. In no time at all, the once-unsightly space was now a vibrant and inviting garden, filled with the promise of new life and growth – a truly remarkable transformation!

The school's Estates Manager Sam Smith expressed his heartfelt gratitude for our efforts, acknowledging the significant impact the garden would have on the school community. “Can I just say a massive thank you again. You are all amazing and this is going to make a massive difference to the staff, children and parents of the school!”

The creation of this peaceful haven was not just a physical endeavour, but also a testament to the power of community and compassion. It provided a tangible way for us to honour the memory of Evergreen students, creating a lasting legacy for generations to come. A big thanks to all our Widgit volunteers (big and small) for making this dream a reality!