Belmayne begins second sunflower fundraiser

What was the seed of an idea last year has blossomed into a fully fledged fundraiser for the independent firm’s Belmayne Foundation.

Belmayne is equipping 16 participating pre-school groups from across the area with seeds, biodegradable plant pots and peat-free compost, courtesy of local garden centre, Ferndale, to enable them to grow sunflowers with their children. The tallest specimen will win their nursery a visit from a children’s entertainer, gardening equipment and the coveted Summer of Sunflowers trophy.

The firm is asking families and businesses to show their support for the children’s endeavours to raise funds for its two chosen charities this year, Derbyshire Carers Association and Edale Mountain Rescue Team.

Ben Smalley, Belmayne partner and foundation trustee, said: “Last year’s Summer of Sunflowers competition was so blooming lovely that we’ve decided to do it all again! We had fantastic feedback from the nurseries involved, many of whom are participating for a second time and we are looking forward to seeing what impressive specimens their green-fingered children can coax out of the earth in the coming months.”

Belmayne has asked that all entries are submitted by September 30, so they can be independently verified. Photos and measurements should be sent directly, via email, to [email protected]

Last year’s competition raised £1,544 and was won by Darcy Davis of Kids Planet in Newbold, Chesterfield, whose sunflower reached 7ft 7in. Any parents or local businesses wishing to sponsor their nursery’s efforts can do so though the foundation’s Go Fund Me page: gofund.me/a7b5e4ad

Since its launch in 2019, the Belmayne Foundation has donated almost £44,000 to registered charities that support health and wellbeing and provide relief to those in need. For more information, telephone (01246) 298181 or visit: www.belmayne-ifa.com/charity