Lion Foundation supports garden relocation project

Media release

1 August 2009

The Lion Foundation supports Selmes Garden Trust’s relocation project
 

Blenheim’s Selmes Garden Trust will continue to provide full time employment for up to a dozen disabled people thanks to the support of The Lion Foundation.

Established by a group of Marlborough business people in 2007, Selmes Garden Trust now owns a nursery business previously run by IHC.  A recent $20,000 grant from The Lion Foundation will assist with relocating the garden centre, enabling the jobs to be retained.

The Lion Foundation Chief Executive Phil Holden says the charitable trust is proud to support Selmes Garden Trust and the relocation project.

“There is strong community support for the nursery and a high level of interest to ensure it will flourish and grow on the new site.  We are proud to assist the Trust, the development of a new nursery and retail shop, and ultimately the people who work in the centre.”

Operating for over 20 years and one of the country’s most widely respected community trusts, The Lion Foundation funds a wide range of arts, cultural, sporting, educational and health focused causes, by distributing back to the local community the funds raised through its gaming venue at Woodbourne Tavern, Paddy Barry’s and The Cornerstone.

Bruce Cardwell, Selmes Garden Trust Secretary and Project Manager says The Lion Foundation’s support is invaluable in the relocation project.

“We are focused on developing a sustainable business model that can be transferable to other parts of New Zealand – and we need assistance to ensure this can happen. 

“Thanks to generosity of The Lion Foundation, we are able relocate the garden centre, continue the full time employment for approximately 12 disabled people and make a significant difference for these people, their families and the wider community.”

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