British Garden Centres, the UK’s largest family-run group, spread some magic over Christmas by asking towns around to country to nominate a community hero.
Each of the 65 centres across the UK – from Carmarthen to East Durham – gifted a lucky local hero, hospice, charity, school, or community space, a light-up reindeer to brighten up the festive season.
The Christmas giveaway was a way for British Garden Centres and each of its stores to say thank you to the people who make their community shine.
Among the highlights of the community campaign was brightening the days of children at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice in Barnet from Stevenage Garden Centre; providing joy for those in need at the White Hart Community Centre in Newton Regis, and Lincoln and Lindsey Blind Society in Louth.
The community heroes also included the Douglas Macmillan Hospice in Stoke-on-Trent via Bridgnorth Garden Centre; and the Colchester Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre at Stanway Garden Centre; Zoe’s Place Children’s Hospice in Middlesbrough at Arcadia Garden Centre, to East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service at Lewes Garden Centre.
Amy Stubbs, project and developer manager at British Garden Centres commented: “The Community Hero Reindeer Giveaway served as a reminder of the importance of supporting local communities and making a positive difference in the lives of others. This is close to the heart of our business and centres, and we hope the light reindeers will make a positive impact on people and the causes they serve for many years to come.”
British Garden Centres (BGC), launched in 1987, is the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group with 65 centres around the country. The group is owned and led by The Stubbs family, who also own and operate Woodthorpe Leisure Park in Lincolnshire. Since 2018, BGC has expanded rapidly with the acquisition of 50 garden centres.
Top: British Garden Centre ran a Community Hero Reindeer Giveaway promotion to brighten up the festive season for local heroes.