Tag: Not Your Average Community initiative

Dobbies announces Edinburgh winner for the ‘Not Your Average Community’ campaign

Local charity, Young Lives vs Cancer, has been named as one of three winners for Dobbies’ Not Your Average Community competition.

The nationwide contest, run by the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, invited community groups, clubs, charities and neighbourhoods to apply and tell the Dobbies’ team about the work they are doing in their local areas and what they would do with the prize – £1,000 to spend in their local store on Christmas trees, lights and decorations

Dobbies were inundated with entries from across the country, reading heart-warming stories about the incredible work being carried out by dedicated volunteers and community workers, and had a difficult job selecting the three winners.

Young Lives vs Cancer at Ciaran’s House was a very worthy winner, providing accommodation to families whose children are receiving cancer treatment at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. The families are able to stay as long as required and siblings can also stay in Edinburgh.

In their winning entry, the charity told how they wanted to transform the nine-bedroom house with trees, lights, wreaths and decorations for the families to decorate their own rooms and communal living space with their prize.

A member of the Edinburgh Dobbies’ team met with Mandy Tait, House Manager and Sandra Fox, Deputy Manager from the Ciaran’s House team to help them select the best products for their requirements, as well as treating them to Christmas Afternoon Tea in the restaurant.

Mandy Tait and Sandra Fox, said: “A huge thank you to the lovely team at Dobbies, not only for selecting us as winners, but for being so supportive and helpful while we selected our festive decorations.

“Dressing the house will make a massive difference to the team working there and those spending time with us this December.”

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “A huge congratulations to Young Lives vs Cancer at Ciaran’s House for winning our Not Your Average Community campaign this year.

“The work they do is inspirational and we’re proud to be able to help them spread some festive cheer during what will be a difficult time for many. 

“A huge thank you to everyone who entered our Not Your Average Community campaign. It was wonderful to see so many great projects taking place across Edinburgh and beyond.”

For more information on Not Your Average Community: 

https://www.dobbies.com/not-your-average-community

Dobbies to spread festive joy in Edinburgh with ‘Not Your Average Community’ campaign

In the festive spirit of giving, Dobbies’ Edinburgh store has launched a new campaign to share some joy in the run up to Christmas.

Not Your Average Community will see three local groups from across the UK win £1,000 to spend on trees, lights and decorations to brighten up their local area for Christmas. The campaign follows on from the successful Not Your Average People and Not Your Average Gardener campaigns, which saw Dobbies recognise outstanding and talented individuals making a difference in their local areas.

Now Dobbies is looking to celebrate special community groups, charities, clubs or neighbourhoods in Edinburgh who deserve some festive treats.

A member of the Dobbies’ team will help each winning group select their Christmas items, providing expert advice on the best trees, lighting and decorations to make the most impact. As part of this visit, the winning groups will be invited to enjoy afternoon tea in their local Dobbies’ restaurant.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “With Christmas just around the corner, we’re looking to spread some festive joy in Edinburgh with our next community initiative.

“We are looking forward to hearing from community groups from across Edinburgh who want to brighten up their local area for their friends, team members or neighbours. Whether they need outdoor lighting, Christmas trees or festive finishing touches, our teams will be on hand to help them make the most of their prize.”

Not Your Average Community is open to community groups, clubs, charities and neighbourhoods in Edinburgh, where they will be invited to complete a simple application form online telling Dobbies about their community group, why they are important to their local area and what trees, lights and decorations they would need to make a difference to their space.

Entries will close for all applicants at 5pm on Monday 22 November, and winners will be selected and contacted by the end of November.

Prizes will be collected at the start of December.

For more details on Not Your Average Community and how to get involved, visit https://www.dobbies.com/not-your-average-community.