Horatio's Garden named as Salisbury Gift Card's charity

The cause will get money from top-ups on the initiative.

Salisbury Gift Card with Horatio's Garden's Stephen Hackett
Author: Faye TryhornPublished 2nd Nov 2020

The Salisbury Gift Card sees shoppers pre-loading money onto a card that can then be used in more than 130 businesses within the city centre.

That includes shops, restaurants, attractions, salons, hotels and more.

They've now announced that Horatio's Garden will be their chosen charity for the next year, with customers able to add a donation to the cause to their top-ups.

People purchasing a Salisbury Gift Card will have the option of donating £1, £2, £5 or £10, with all the money going to the charity.

The BID also say we can support our local stores by buying the Salisbury Gift Card

WHAT IS HORATIO'S GARDEN?

They provide outdoor spaces for patients at spinal units across the country to enjoy while they're undergoing long term treatments.

The first of the gardens was set up at Salisbury District Hospital, with another four around the UK, and two more in development.

Horatio's Garden is completely reliant on public donations, to fund the build and running costs for each site.

Salisbury is the home of the very first Horatio's Garden, which aims to give spinal injury patients some outdoor space to relax in during long hospital stays

Robin McGowan, Chief Executive of Salisbury BID, said:

"Since launch, the Salisbury Gift Card has raised hundreds of pounds for local charities, simply just by having the option to add a donation on the website.

"The Salisbury Gift Card really does make the perfect gift for everyone because it can be spent in over 130 businesses, so there is plenty of choice for spending. It's also a great way for people to do their bit and help support local businesses, as it ensures money is kept locally, which will help the city recover from the effects of the pandemic.

"Salisbury BID's main priority is to support our levy payers in the city centre, but it's also really important we incorporate supporting local charities into our work where possible, so we're really pleased to have partnered with Horatio's Garden."

The Horatio's Garden at Salisbury District Hospital

Kathryn Furnell, Marketing Manager of Horatio's Garden, said:

"It is great to be part of this brilliant business and community initiative in the city - thank you for choosing us. We have grown immeasurably over the last 8 years with five gardens now providing solace to patients in NHS spinal injury centres but our roots are, of course, firmly in Salisbury where it all began and the garden at Salisbury District Hospital will continue to thrive thanks to this extra support."

You can buy a Salisbury Gift card online, or in person from the Information Centre on Fish Row.