CPI colleagues prepare ground for International Volunteer Day with cultivation of school allotment.

We have been showing our support for the United Nations’ International Volunteer Day with the cultivation of a local allotment on behalf of a local primary school.

The plot, near to CPI’s Bristol production plant, is being developed in conjunction with pupils from Severn Beach Primary School. Earlier this year, CPI staff visited the school to hear about the fruit, vegetables and flowers the children wanted to grow on the allotment. Produce grown there will be donated to deserving Bristol communities. The initiative is one of several community projects CPI has committed to and is the very essence of International Volunteer Day, which takes place on Monday, December 5^th.  

Dave Fowell, Plant Manager at CPI’s Bristol site, said: “As a community-minded organisation, we’re proud to support International Volunteer Day. The work we’ve undertaken at the allotment in conjunction with Severn Beach Primary School has been an education for the children and CPI volunteers. Times are tough for a lot of people due to the current cost of living crisis, so it will be a privilege to provide those less fortunate than ourselves with some freshly grown, nutritious produce from our allotment. A huge thanks to all the school children and CPI staff who have donated their free time to help with this fantastic project. It’s proving extremely worthwhile and great fun for all involved.”

International Volunteer Day celebrates the theme of solidarity through volunteering whilst highlighting the power of ‘collective humanity’ to drive positive change through charitable deeds. For their part, CPI colleagues and their families took time out in the summer to prepare the allotment for the new school term. The work involved installing boarders and readying the ground for children to begin planting in September.

Dave Fowell said the allotment provided CPI staff with an opportunity to help themselves, as well as others. “The plot is a five-minute walk from our Bristol factory, making it a convenient place for colleagues to either pitch in with the plot’s development or simply enjoy some quiet space away from work to support their personal wellbeing. It’s a win-win project for all.”

For more information on International Volunteer Day, visit: www.un.org/en/observances/volunteer-day