For National Volunteer Week in June over a dozen staff from the John Lewis Partnership joined us for two days of practical work at our Woodbank Community Food Hub. Here in their own words, they describe the two days:
Partners from our Cheadle store helped to clear a large area of waste ground for one of the new polytunnels. It was hard work as there was a lot of weeds to pull up but it was really rewarding to see the space totally clear by the end of the day. Partners, who wouldn't normally work with each other in the store, were able to meet and get to know each other which was great. Everyone left feeling like they had done a full workout and were ready for a good bath!
“Let me know if you need any more support and we will help wherever possible. Thanks to Helen and Chris you are all doing an amazing job and I know I will pop down and visit again”.
Partners from Waitrose Buxton went to Woodbank to help get the site ready for Open Farm Sunday. We joined a number of other volunteers including those from University of Manchester. This was great as we were able to share different life experiences while also working together. We had a great time moving frogs from the area we were clearing and it was so rewarding to see the difference at the end of the day.
"Thank you for a great day. It was a lot more physical than we envisaged but what a result and we all enjoyed it so much. Lunch was fantastic and we were so grateful so thank you to you all for hosting us".
