Haskins make donation for children’s water play

Haskins Garden Centre has donated over £13,000 to enable the creation of a water play area at The Treehouse, a new facility run by Dorset charity, Diverse Abilities for children with disabilities.  

Haskins, operates five garden centres, including one in Ferndown. The grant, made through the Haskins Charitable Fund has gone towards Diverse Abilities new water play area, which is not only a fun activity for the children supported by Dorset’s Disability Charity, but also helps with skills such as turn-taking, creative play and problem-solving skills.  

Alison Richmond, who works in finance for Haskins and nominated Diverse Abilities to receive the grant, commented: “I’ve seen firsthand the impact that Diverse Abilities’ support can have. The charity holds a special place in my heart as my daughter has benefited from their incredible support. I’m thrilled that Haskins has contributed to the new outdoor site, where the water play equipment will bring so much joy and happiness. 

It's wonderful of Haskins to support a cause that has personally touched my family and so many others in our community.” 

Clare Rochford, Short Breaks Manager, commented: “We are extremely grateful to Haskins for their generous donation of £13,460. Over the summer holidays I have seen numerous children enjoying playing with water, making up games and working together, which wouldn’t be possible without this generous donation.”

The Haskins Charitable Fund was set up in 2017 to benefit charities and community projects local to its five garden centres across the south, through personal nominations from its staff. The Haskins team of over 650 employees can nominate their chosen charity or local community project, located within 15km radius to a Haskins centre.

The fund accepts nominations for charities which benefit vulnerable children and their families, for horticultural and environmental projects, or for hospices and respite care providers. 

Find out more about The Treehouse, and the services available from Diverse Abilities at diverseabilities.org.uk/thetreehouse.