PhotoCredit : David Poole PhotoCredit : David Poole
Floral Angels Recycles Event Flowers to Deliver Bouquets of Kindness
L to R : Francis Hunter , Amanda Romain and Julie Ritter .
Floral Angels is a voluntary charity based in New Covent Garden Market that recycles donated unwanted flowers from the events that take place at some of London ’ s finest venues . They create stunning bouquets which are delivered to some of the most vulnerable members of the local community in care homes , hospices , hospitals and shelters by the charity ’ s volunteers who also offer encouragement and a moment of kindness .
Arrangements have most recently been delivered to Chelsea Pensioners at the Royal Hospital Chelsea , Keetch Hospice in Luton , Norton House Care Home , Hestia Women ’ s Refuges throughout London , Maggie ’ s Cancer Centre and Great Ormond Street Hospital .
The charity was founded in 2013 by Amanda Romain , Julie Ritter and Frances Hunter . The idea was hatched during a coffee break in a floral design course the trio had enrolled in . Since then , Floral Angels has delivered over 13,000 bouquets of kindness .
The charity is supported by many of London ’ s leading florists including Detta Philips , Bloom and Wild , Okishima and Simmons , Pinstripes and Peonies , Simon J Lycette , Shane Connolly , Paul Thomas Flowers and Love Flowers , as well as hotels including the Dorchester and a number of big flower retailers including M & S . The Angels are always looking for more donors .
The Angels have been invited to Clarence House to restyle flowers with the Duchess of Cornwall who is also the
PhotoCredit : David Poole charity ’ s Patron . The bouquets they made together were then donated to Maggie ’ s Cancer Centre and Charing Cross Hospital .
Frances Hunter of Floral Angels said , “ We believe that flowers have healing properties which can impact people ’ s recovery rate and well-being . When we deliver the bouquets we offer support , encouragement and a moment of kindness .
Volunteers offer a moment of kindness .
“ The philanthropic side to Floral Angels , through doing something thoughtful or caring for someone who is struggling or alone , is important to us and the impact can be profound for both the giver and the receiver . It can shake someone ’ s view that the world still cares about them and the most beautiful thing about the process is that by having someone show genuine compassion and care makes it likely that the kindness gets passed on .”
The charity ’ s important work ensures that those who might have felt forgotten know that the community still cares about them - the impact can be profound for both giver and receiver .
Shane Connolly ( Royal Warrant Holder )
The Floral Angels are the answer to ‘ green prayers ’ and help turn the inherent wastefulness in our business into a blessing .
Hestia Women ’ s Refuges
Just a little note to say a massive thank you to all the floral angels team for our gorgeous flowers for our women at Christmas . They were beautiful and really added to the festive feel . Many of our women cried and most of them said that they weren ’ t expecting anything for Christmas , as their children take priority and it was a little luxury for them ! Thank you . A bouquet means much more to them than most !
Age UK Kensington & Chelsea
Thanks again for your continuing donations of beautiful flowers . Everyone is always so happy and grateful to receive them and most are people who would not normally receive flowers as many are very isolated / lonely .
‘ We believe that flowers have healing properties ’.
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If you would like to support the generous work of Amanda , Julie and Frances please visit their website www . floralangels . com .
THE LONDON & UK DATEBOOK 15