Driving Corporate Social Responsibility: Positive Planet’s Volunteering Day at Hulme Community Garden Centre
At Positive Planet, we aim to lead by example through our corporate social responsibility (CSR). Our dedication to creating a lasting positive impact stems from our values and is driven by each member of our team. We take great pride in being mindful of our communities and contributing to the well-being of our neighbours. That’s why, starting in the summer of 2023, Positive Planet began to roll out company-wide volunteering days. We dedicated our efforts to supporting the local community by partnering with Lakeside Community Interest Group (CIC) in Moston. Together, we transformed a neglected space into a vibrant community allotment, providing a much-needed green space for residents.
This summer, our research into local nature groups and recommendations from our team members led us to the Hulme Community Garden Centre (HCGC). HCGC is a not-for-profit organisation with 20 years of experience promoting sustainability and organic practices. HCGC consists of a close-knit team across the two-acre site, cafe, and garden centre shop, and as a result, they rely heavily on volunteers.
After initial discussions with Gianetta Grainger, Centre Manager, to better understand the garden centre’s needs, we selected a date and confirmed our team’s attendance—trading laptops for spades. HCGC’s emphasis on sustainability and community togetherness mirrored our company values, making the collaboration a natural fit for creating a lasting impact through our CSR initiatives.
The HCGC team made the most of every Positive Planet member, assigning various tasks from repainting and replanting to creating new borders and raised garden beds to improve the appearance of the 2-acre site.
On the day, we split into three groups:
Group one deep cleaned and organised the straw-bale-built classroom. They removed paper and ivy decorations, reshuffled the layout, and revitalised the space, preparing it for the upcoming season. Thanks to their efforts, HCGC can now look forward to hosting educational events for the wider community in a refreshed, welcoming environment.
Group two focused on stripping, cleaning, and repainting the outdoor seating veranda. As a popular spot for visitors, a refurbishment was well overdue. The team tackled the project with enthusiasm, quickly converting the space into a vibrant and inviting area where visitors can relax and enjoy their surroundings.
Group three was tasked with clearing the lower exterior of the site’s old shop, replanting selected stems, and creating a new path complete with a small access step to help visitors navigate the area with ease. The project also prepared the garden centre for plans to add a bird-feeding and wildlife hut. In just a few hours, the team transformed this area, creating a more spacious and accessible environment for visitors to enjoy.
In the afternoon, the entire team turned our attention to the final tasks of the day. We worked collaboratively to replace rotten tree trunks with sturdier wooden borders, enhancing both the safety and appearance of the area. The team also reinforced a raised bed and individually replanted several plants, which will be sold in the on-site shop to generate additional revenue for HCGC.
The Importance of Corporate Social Responsibility
At Positive Planet, we participate in social initiatives to drive our CSR and create a lasting impact, and our rewarding trip to HCGC perfectly captured that mission. Our efforts helped create green spaces that promote well-being and environmental stewardship in the heart of our communities. The positive changes will benefit many future visitors to HCGC, and the connections formed during the day will last a lifetime.
Social value should not be overlooked in organisations. Its potential to boost team morale, productivity, and growth offers businesses a valuable opportunity to drive their business forward ethically and sustainably.
Find more about how our volunteering days drive social impact.
