Guildford in Bloom has launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise £23,000 to secure its future for the next two year and continue to bring the community together to celebrate good horticultural practice and protect wildlife.
Since January 2022 Guildford has been an independent Association, entirely reliant to loyal and generous sponsors, but with increased costs and no steady financial support, there is a shortfall in the funding putting its long term future in jeopardy. Guildford in Bloom is run entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers.
Guildford in Bloom is determined to keep its competitions for residents, community groups, schools and businesses free to enter. Part of the Guildford in Bloom ethos is to encourage diverse habitats that encourage and protect wildlife, especially our pollinators. This year’s theme for the main and schools competition For King and Countryside includes a list of things that can be done easily in your garden, patio or balcony to create Pitstops for insects and pollinators to help stop the decline in their numbers. It is the intention to continue to include wildlife elements in future years.
The Blooming Picnic in the Castle Grounds is also a Guildford in Bloom event in partnership with Guildford Fringe Festival and Experience Guildford. It is important that this event remains free for the community to attend. At this event, Guildford in Bloom creates a platform for charities and partner businesses to interact with the general public creating a real community atmosphere. However, the event comes with costs. The Crowdfunding campaign with Spacehive will enable Guildford in Bloom to secure match funding for the generous donations already received by local business supporters.
Cllr Paul Spooner, Chairman of Guildford in Bloom says:
“Guildford in Bloom has been an integral part of Guildford’s community for almost 42 years – and has meant so much to so many people to see their efforts rewarded. With around 200 people entering every year there is scope to increase its reach and make a real difference to the lives people and wildlife. We are so incredibly grateful to our loyal and generous sponsors, but over the next two years we have a shortfall in funding – a successful crowdfunding campaign will ensure we can continue for the next two years and increase our events to bring the community together and increase the education of the plight of our pollinators.
We appeal to everyone who has been involved in Guildford in Bloom, both past and present to help us by pledging to our crowdfunding appeal and sharing this as far as possible.”
The link to our Crowdfunding page can be found on https://www.spacehive.com/guildfordinbloom and there is also a link from the Guildford in Bloom website www.guildfordinbloom.com. Guildford in Bloom is appealing to all those who value the Guildford in Bloom competitions and messages to pledge their support – even if it's only £1 – every donation will add up and secure match funding if we meet our target.
In the meantime, the 2023 Guildford in Bloom competitions are open for entries. Full details on www.guildfordinbloom.com
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