Local charity GROW Ltd has a new Chair

Local charity GROW Ltd has appointed Rick James to lead its fundraising team. Mr James recently retired from his role as Vice-Principal at Elizabeth College where he had worked for four decades. Since 2018 he led the Foundation Bursary scheme for the school, a role which he has retained as Foundation Bursary Manager.

With more time on his hands Rick has turned his attention to supporting the charity which is close to his heart by becoming Chair of Friends of GROW, known as FRoGs. Annual operating costs for GROW are £660,000, which provides occupational training and mentoring for adults with learning disabilities. Whilst one third is secured through a Service Level Agreement with Economic and Social Security Department and around £140,000 a year through plant and product sales and garden maintenance contracts, the balance is sought from public support including charitable trust grants, corporate and public donations, legacies and fundraising events.

As Chair of FRoGs, Mr James takes on responsibility for organising initiatives to support GROW’s ongoing costs. He said, ‘I see every week the benefits that GROW brings to its team as my stepson has attended for several years. I now have time to give something back in support of the great provision that is available through GROW. I think, too, that my role with the Foundation Bursaries at Elizabeth College reflects my desire to support young people who do not have the same opportunities as others.’

GROW Chairman Mark Dunster said, ‘We are delighted that Rick has accepted this vital fundraising role. He is well known throughout the community and brings a wealth of experience into the position.’

We are now looking for volunteers who are interested in filling roles on the FRoGs committee as treasurer, secretary, events co-ordinators and social media. Mr James said ‘We aim to provide a range of new fundraising activities, many of them utilising the exciting new facilities on the redeveloped GROW site. These roles will not be arduous, rather a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity to support an extremely worthwhile charity.’ He continued, ‘We are also keen to enrol people to join our team of volunteers who help at these events. Joining the GROW volunteer team is a very satisfying way of giving back, whether it be once a year or once a month.’

Anyone who is interested in supporting GROW on the FRoGs committee, or as a volunteer, is invited to email Rick James at Frogschair@grow.gg for further information and to discuss future plans for fundraising as GROW approaches a landmark point in its 40 year history, when it returns to its redeveloped Coutanchez site in September 2023