Gardeners of Essex asked to help fund RNLI's busy summer
The charity is expecting to be in high-demand over the summer months
We're being asked to hold fundraisers in our gardens for the RNLI in Essex this summer.
The charity is expecting a record number of callouts along our coastline and that costs money.
So they're asking us to open our gardens to the public and take donations or sell produce.
As the warmer weather lures people outside to make the most of their gardens and back yards, the heat will also be rising for RNLI lifesavers across the UK and Ireland.
Every year, the summer brings a tide of rescues as the RNLI hits its busiest season and with the pandemic keeping more people on home shores, it's likely that unprecedented numbers will visit the coast.
There are several ways to raise funds with an RNLI Gardens event.
Peter Emmett, RNLI Head of Engagement explained:
"If you have a garden in full bloom why not host an RNLI Open Garden? By opening your green spaces to locals, friends and family in exchange for a small donation, you could help our charity to raise vital lifesaving funds.
"Whether you have the brightest blooms or the plumpest pumpkin, it could be your time to show off! Alongside hosting an RNLI Gardens event, you could also consider putting on refreshments or home baked goods or selling cut flowers and crops from your vegetable patch."
For people who would like to take part but don't want to open their garden to the public, there's also the opportunity to host an RNLI Garden Party.
Peter added:
"An RNLI Garden Party is a private event where the host can invite their friends and family round for a celebration and ask for donations in return.
"Additional funds could be raised through quizzes, cake sales and other fun fundraising activities."
Richard Dowson, an RNLI Mechanic, said:
"During the past year, we've all spent a lot more time at home. Doing so has made us appreciate how lucky we are to have a garden or open space. I use my garden to grow fruit and veg. It's also my escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
"We're expecting a very busy summer as more people take staycations, so my garden may not get the attention it deserves. That's why your RNLI Garden event is so important. It will help raise vital funds to support lifeboat volunteers like me so that, together, we can save lives at sea."
Funds from hosting a garden party or open garden could provide a valuable lifeline to the RNLI:
- ÂŁ30 could pay for a lifeguard's First Aid training
- ÂŁ33 for a volunteer crew member's sea-going wellies
- ÂŁ100 could help fund water safety sessions for children
To sign up to RNLI Gardens visit RNLI.org/Gardens