Eighteen employees from Starbucks stores across Edinburgh came together in April to support Waverley Care, the UK’s first purpose-built AIDS hospice.
Employees volunteered nearly 100 hours as part of Starbucks annual Global Month of Good, when Starbucks teams around the world spend time supporting a local cause as a top-up to ongoing fundraising efforts throughout the year.
Founded 30 years ago this year, Waverley Care supports those affected by HIV or Hepatitis C by raising awareness, supporting diagnosis, campaigning against discrimination and providing residential care.
The team pruned and planted several acres of the Waverley Care gardens, supporting the charity’s mission to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by HIV and Hepatitis C in Scotland by creating a beautiful, outdoor space for visitors to enjoy.
Starbucks has been partnering with Waverley Care since 2012, and since then has raised around £13,000 to support the charity.
Sam Paterson, Starbucks District Manager, said: “We hope the new look of the garden will bring a smile to the faces of those using the services. Waverley Care is a fantastic charity and we look forward to continuing our work together in the future.”
In addition to gardening, Starbucks teams across Edinburgh offer collection tins in-store, meeting spaces for Waverley Care staff and warm drinks for volunteers.
Each year during Starbucks Global Month of Good, Starbucks partners around the world give back to their communities through fundraising and the donation of thousands of volunteer hours.
This year, activities in the UK ranged from a charity cycle for Alzheimer’s research to raising money for an organisation that helps those with sensory challenges, to supporting healthcare charities like Waverley Care.