Garden centre roots for Devon Air Ambulance

Otter Garden Centres in Ottery St Mary, Plymouth and Torbay have joined forces for the first time to support Devon Air Ambulance during 2017.

The three Devon garden centres usually have their own charity but decided to make a concerted effort this year to raise a substantial sum for this crucial service, which is marking its 25th anniversary.

Otter’s Marketing Manager, Sabine Taylor said: “Everyone understands how important Devon Air Ambulance is to our community, and many of us know of someone who has benefitted from the service – it really is a great cause to support.

“Each year we are overwhelmed by the generosity of our staff and customers towards our fundraising initiatives and already we have seen people digging deep for the charity.”

Last year, the three garden centres raised over £10,000 for their various charities, and are hoping to raise even more for Devon Air Ambulance by concentrating fundraising efforts. These include a mixture of customer and staff events such as staff quiz nights, dress up days and competitions.

In Ottery St Mary, a special lunch is planned for staff, who will be paying £2 for a main course and £1 for dessert, with all the money going to DAAT. Torbay has recently run a popular ‘guess the number of wild bird peanuts in a jar’ competition. Other events will include raffles, the popular Memory Tree at Christmas and, of course, customers are encouraged to pop spare change into the collecting tins out on display at every till.

Tracy Owen, DAAT Fundraising Manager said: “We are delighted to team up with Otter Garden Centres for the coming year. “The support of Devon companies like Otter is crucial to the continuing provision of our service, which offers hope in an emergency when every second counts.”