A horticultural-based, environmental social enterprise has been surprised with a new minibus.
Rhubarb Farm, Langwith, discovered it was to receive the 17-seater minibus at EEM’s fifth annual Building Communities Awards. The black-tie annual awards were held at the Athena, Leicester, and included a charity auction and raffle.
The event saw £22,000 handed over to Prostate Cancer UK, as well as £12,000 for Rhubarb Farm, which EEM upgraded into the big surprise – the urgently needed £26,000 minibus, complete with a personalised registration plate and branding.
Rhubarb Farm Managing Director Jennie Street and Business Development Manager Angela Keyworth, who attended the event, said they were blown away by everybody’s support: “We were expecting to receive a cheque for about £10,000 from monies raised by EEM members. Instead, to our total amazement, Rhubarb Farm was given a brand new 17-seater minibus worth £26,700.”
“We don’t know how to thank EEM and all 25 companies, local authorities and housing associations (their members) whom they procure materials for.”
“It was incredible and restored our faith in human nature.”
Woodhead Group were among the sponsors who helped to buy the minibus. Business Support Manager Matt Bust was “honoured to support such a great cause as part of the Woodhead Group’s commitment to championing social value”.
Rhubarb Farm supports vulnerable people to change their lives for the better, using horticultural therapy. It works with people of all needs and abilities in and around north Nottinghamshire and north Derbyshire.
Find out more about Rhubarb Farm here