Community groups join forces to re-plant flowers that were pulled from their containers in Grimsby
Several community groups in Grimsby have joined forces to organise a special event to allow local children to re-plant new plants after their previous ones along the River Freshney were vandalised earlier this month.
A fortnight ago, the team at renewables hub Projekt Renewable arrived at their place of work next to the Fishing Heritage Centre on Alexandra Dock to find that the plants, which were dotted along the fence next to the river, had been pulled out of their 80 containers.
Each container - which was personalised with the name of the child who planted it - was left empty, with soil scattered across the ground.
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The 'Plant & Paddle' initiative had involved more than 100 children from the community, and was facilitated by Projekt Renewable and Target NEL and sponsored by The Crown Estate.
At the time, Projekt Director Richard Askam said: “I am simply lost for words, the children are going to be devastated when they hear about what has happened. This act may have destroyed the planters themselves, but it will not have tarnished the memory the children have of creating them or the skills they learnt on the day.
“People may well be quick to say ‘Well, what did you expect’, but if no-one tried, nothing will change. We will keep replanting, and keep working to make our pocket of Grimsby something special for the very people who created these planters in the first place.”
In a bid to make a "lasting positive impact" and deliver the powerful message that "our community stands strong", several community groups and organisations have collaborated to hold a special event on Sunday, October 13, which will see children replacing the plants in the containers.
Projekt Renewable, The Crown Estate, Ebb & Flo, The Canoe River Cleaner, Out of the Box and TARGET NEL have launched an online fundraiser to raise £2,500 for the event.
The fundraiser description reads: "We’re excited to bring together groups of children from different providers on Sunday, 13th October, to plant new plants and create something truly special.
"The original plants alone cost in excess of £1,000, purchased at cost price, as they’re specifically chosen for the wildlife corridor the children have worked so hard on.
"In addition to the plants, there are other costs, and we want to host an event that highlights the community’s spirit and unity. To make this happen, we’re aiming to raise between £2,500 and £3,500.
"If we exceed our goal, we'll go even bigger to show that our community stands strong and won’t be shaken by the mindless actions of a few vandals. Let's come together and make a lasting positive impact!"
To donate to the fundraiser, click here.