Up next in the charities to consider for the upcoming season of giving is Thrive, a UK charity which helps the diasbled and mentally ill through gardening. Unlike other charities which supply medicine, food or fund research, Thrive helps people by providing a purposeful activity which helps them to cope with a difficult period in their life.
Thrive
Mission: Thrive is a national charity, founded in 1978, that makes use of gardening to change the lives of disabled people.
Gardening is a wonderfully flexible medium through which an individual can accomplish many things. Some may be immediately apparent, such as rebuilding strength after an accident or an illness, or providing a purposeful activity which helps people to cope with a difficult period in their life. Some may be less obvious such as helping to improve literacy through a simple task such as labelling a plant or reading a seed packet. There are some disabled people who simply want to enjoy gardening but need practical advice and skills to get started or to progress.
Focus: To research, educate and promote the use and advantages of gardening that can be accessed by anyone and everyone with a disability.
How They Help: Thrive�s activities are varied but all focus on championing the benefits of gardening to individuals and organisations, as well as teaching techniques and practical applications so that anyone with a disability can take part and enjoy this activity. Underpinning Thrive�s work is a research programme which provides evidence, improves understanding and supports the development of appropriate skills.
Online Donations? yes
Originally posted on December 12, 2006 @ 2:41 pm