To be given this precious experience of life, is to wholesomely give to our loved ones without expectation. If they love you right back, then your tank will never be left emptied. This cycle of give and take ebbs and flows throughout our lives. What you choose to give is totally up to you, but what you receive won’t always be your choice.
When I started Florists’ Giveback, I wanted to pass the parcel on event flowers. By working with other local florists for floral donations, we wrap them, arrange them, and style them for others, then clean it all up and do it again for the most precious job of all. Recycling our leftover event flowers gives our floral designs a new purpose, but most importantly, they brighten the homes of our elders living in aged care. Leftover event flowers which normally end up in our mulchers and in the green bin, are collected, re-wrapped, and delivered into the community.
What once started as an initiative to reduce unnecessary floral wastage, has now become an essential part of our connection to community. It’s not certain what these elders gave to their loved ones during their time, but one thing is for sure, they are now on the receiving end of Florists’ Giveback. These elders will never be able to give back to us, but we know our community and loved ones will in other ways.
Florists’ Giveback is a tribute to my late Aunty Joanne, an aged care nurse who donated personal care items and time outside of her working hours to care for the elderly residents in her facility. May this be an ode to her legacy and may she rest in peace.
Hi, I’m Nicole! As a current student and also a part of the Student and Campus Engagement team here at the Uni, I’ll be your 2023 reporter for campus events and any NTEU policy updates. Continue reading below for all my latest articles.
