Alsford, which operates as a timber and builder’s merchant across the South East, has donated goods worth £4,000 to a community wellbeing and mindfulness garden being built at Erith Fire Station.
With material costs at an all-time high, help was sought from local businesses and Alsford stepped in to offer their help, donating a variety of timbers, decking board, softwood sleepers, screws and topsoil.
The garden will be built by the firefighters in between shifts and will include a decking area featuring a pergola and raised beds planted with a variety of flowers and plants.
It is hoped that the wellbeing and mindfulness garden will be finished in March. Once complete, it will be open to both the firefighters and the local community offering them a tranquil space to find calm surrounded by nature.
Alsford delivery driver and former firefighter Michael Blackburn also got to say hello to a former pal when he dropped off the donation; they had worked together at another station during his fire service.
Joni Beal, Marketing Manager from Alsford which has its headquarters in Erith, said: “The fire station is less than three miles from our Mill and Head Office, and provides such a valuable service to the local community.
“When they contacted us about the project, we were delighted to play our part in such a worthwhile local project. This year sees Alsford celebrate our 140th year in business and we’re thankful to the local community in supporting us, which is why we welcomed the opportunity to give back. We can’t wait to see the finished garden.”
Samuel McMath from Erith Fire Station said “Being a firefighter is a physically and mentally challenging job so we wanted to create a space where our staff can relax during breaks, but also provide somewhere that local residents can also enjoy.
“Alsford’s donation has got the project off to a fantastic start and it’s great to have a local business supporting both us and the local community.”
The wellbeing and mindfulness garden is expected to be completed in March. Follow the progress on the Instagram and Facebook pages for Alsford.
