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MY SUN DAY NEWS

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Sun City in Huntley
 
The Sun City Garden Club took on the task of repurposing funeral flowers, by giving them to those in the community who need some cheer. (Photo provided)

The Sun City Garden Club took on the task of repurposing funeral flowers, by giving them to those in the community who need some cheer. (Photo provided)

Twice-loved flowers

By Christine Such

It all started with a phone call.

Pamela Bartholomew received a message from a funeral home. DeFiore Funeral Home said they had bouquets of beautiful flowers that families were hoping could be given to others to enjoy. This began one of the missions of the Red Geraniums (Sun City Garden Club), and their commitment to using the flowers that would be thrown away.

Bartholomew said, “Kathy Brown and Patrice Goostree and myself started planning. We picked up the flowers. Then, we separated all the types of flowers. We began rearranging them into smaller vases and delivering them to brighten someone’s day.”

Kathy Brown said, “They’re beautiful bouquets of every imaginable flower.”

Bartholomew said “We are asking residents to let us know of anyone that needs some cheer to come their way. If you know someone who is recently widowed or lost a friend, a relative; anyone who is grieving. Or someone who is a shut-in and does not get out or if they had surgery, please let us know.”

Bartholomew posted on WildFlower Facebook page her mission to brighten someone’s day with flowers. She asked for names of individuals that need some joy and also volunteers to help with the flowers and of course delivering.

Brown said, “We also need vases desperately. Please let us know if you have any you can donate.”

What are some of the responses they have gotten?

Bartholomew said, “Residents have been so grateful, some are just glad to have a visitor and invite us in for a cup of coffee and conversation.”

Jeannie Bowman said, “Such a wonderful way to repurpose and brighten someone’s moment in need of cheer. Thank you to you both for your talent and generosity.”

There is the term for this type of project: floranthropy.

Floranthropy is philanthropy through flowers; spreading joy, kindness, and love through the simple act of giving flowers.

Brown said, “Spreading joy, has an incredible impact in our community, including the lives of our volunteers.”

Do they deliver outside the community?

Bartholomew said, “Yes, we have delivered to Deerpath, Alden, or Heritage assisted living facilities. We decided to include our community also and cheer some of our residents who are going through a tough time.”

How do they take requests?

Bartholomew said, “Please text me or Kathy with the name and address of anyone you know of who would enjoy fresh flowers from time to time and we will see that they get some when they become available.”

If know of anyone that needs a little joy in their life, you can contact Pam Bartholomew at pam.bartholomew@gmail.com or text at 815-540-6419 or Kathy Brown at kathybat48tom@aol.com or text at 847-894-4645.





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