At Plantforce, giving back to our communities goes beyond business, it’s something we genuinely care about. This week, we were proud to roll up our sleeves and spend time volunteering at four of Children’s Hospice South West’s (CHSW) charity shops: Exmouth, Plymouth, Bristol, and Wellington.

These volunteer days give our teams the opportunity to step away from the day job and help where it’s needed, sorting donations, arranging displays, and welcoming customers. Whether it was tagging clothes, restocking shelves, or chatting with visitors, our team got stuck in with a shared purpose: to support the incredible work CHSW does for children and families across the South West.

“Spending time in the Exmouth shop was humbling. It’s a reminder of the power of small acts. Whether that’s giving a few hours of your time or helping raise awareness. You can see first-hand the passion their people, and we’re proud to stand beside them and play our part.” said Jane Gibbons, Operations Director.

Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW)offers vital care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families in a warm, comforting, and homelike setting during some of life’s most difficult moments. Unlike the clinical setting of a hospital, CHSW’s three hospices across the South West—Charlton Farm, Little Harbour, and Little Bridge House deliver respite, palliative, and end-of-life care in an environment where children can be children, and families can find vital support and moments of joy.

Since announcing our partnership, our team has embraced the cause with enthusiasm and purpose. We began our fundraising efforts with a Cream Tea Morning, bringing all our depots together to raise funds and awareness in a relaxed setting. With scones, jam, and good conversation, it was a heartwarming start to a meaningful relationship.

We’ve also brought our wider network into the fold through events like our Charity Golf Day, held at Mendip Springs Golf Club. This brought together customers, suppliers, and our team for a day of friendly competition, connection, and generosity. With support from those who attended and sponsored holes, we raised thousands of pounds to support CHSW.

From fundraising to volunteering, it’s been inspiring to see the impact CHSW has, and the difference even small gestures can make. Every pound raised and every hour volunteered helps children and families facing incredibly difficult circumstances to find comfort, relief, and hope.

We’re incredibly proud of the work done so far—but this is only the beginning. Plantforce is committed to continuing our partnership with CHSW, raising awareness, offering support, and doing our part to make life just a little bit easier for those who need it most.