Garden Club Donates $48K To Six Organizations
The Garden Club of Bermuda donated $48,500 to six local organizations supporting environmental conservation, sustainability, education, and community wellbeing initiatives across Bermuda; the Bermuda National Trust [BNT], Focus Counselling, Warwick Academy, BEST, BioQuest, and Waterstart.
A spokesperson said, “One of the core values of The Garden Club of Bermuda is its ongoing commitment to community engagement. Each year, the Club donates to organizations that share its objectives, and in the 2025-2026 financial year, it contributed $48,500 in varying amounts across six organizations: The Bermuda National Trust [BNT], Focus Counselling Services, Warwick Academy, BEST, BioQuest, and Waterstart.
Diana Chiappa (GC President), Dr. Dorte Horsfield (Head of Development and Engagement, BNT), JP Skinner (Director, Waterstart), Francoise Palau-Wolffe (Librarian, Warwick Academy), Jennifer Flood (Board Member, Best), and Jane Clipper (GC Treasurer)
“Nature-based activities are widely recognized for their positive impact on mental and emotional wellbeing. The recipient organizations all demonstrate a dedication to environmental stewardship, making them ideal partners for the Club’s support.
“At BNT, Myles Darrell, Head of Natural Heritage, leads the weekly Youth Eco Club, engaging schoolchildren in hands-on learning focused on horticulture and natural heritage conservation. One component involves students exploring Bermuda’s native and endemic plant species learning about plant propagation techniques and seed germination in the process.
“About two years ago, Focus Counselling Services launched Root and Rise, a healing earth project that integrates conservation, education and community wellbeing into their rehabilitation programme. This garden project aims to equip residents with essential life skills, enabling them to secure employment, start their own businesses or cultivate plentiful food for themselves and their families. Through these opportunities, participants gain a sense of self-worth and belonging.
“Warwick Academy recently established a Seed Library, encouraging students and staff to borrow, exchange and cultivate seeds to promote a greener, more sustainable and community-focused library. This initiative included a six-hour seed-growing training programme, led by local sustainable gardening expert Chris Faria, from the AgraLiving Institute.
“BEST advocates sustainable management and development of land in Bermuda. In alignment with the Bermuda Plan 2018, which aims to balance the competing demands of development and conservation, ensuring efficient use of land resources while advocating for the protection of protective zonings.
“BioQuest is mapping the genome of the Bermuda cedar tree. The all-Bermudian young team is led by co-founders Dr. Carika Weldon and JP Rouja. This project aims to positively identify and produce the first high quality reference genome of Bermuda’s national tree, the cedar, and promises to transform local conservation efforts. Cedar has a considerable cultural value to Bermudians and was used historically for ship building and furniture.
“Waterstart, now in its 25th year, has expanded its programming to include an organic garden, with a focus on food security and reforestation initiatives, welcoming approximately 650 students annually, 55% of whom receive financial aid.
“Conservation, natural resources, food security and sustainability unite these organizations. Their daily dedication to teaching and knowledge sharing, along with their passion, plays a vital role in preserving Bermuda and supporting its people.
“The Garden Club of Bermuda is proud to champion these outstanding organizations and wishes them continued success in their important work.
“For more information about any of these organizations, please visit their websites.”
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