STIHL & DEALER RAISE FUNDS FOR GREENFINGERS

To support the tenth anniversary of Greenfingers charity’s Garden Re-Leaf Day, STIHL launched the Minutes Mowed Challenge.

The contest saw the manufacturer go head-to-head with long-standing dealer Sims Garden Machinery to see who could clock up the most minutes’ mowing over 10 weeks. 

The challenge came to a close in May with Team STIHL, which included Jack Wallington, garden writer for the Daily Telegraph, taking the lead with 2,229 minutes whilst Team Sims clocked up an impressive 1,992 minutes of mowing. 

Garden Re-Leaf Day is an annual nationwide event that raises funds and awareness for Greenfingers, a charity that supports children who spend time in hospices by creating inspiring gardens and outdoor spaces for them to enjoy. It’s supported by gardening clubs and societies across the country, as well as garden centres, growers, suppliers, manufacturers and trade associations.  

Speaking of the challenge, Greenfingers’ director of fundraising and communications, Linda Petrons, commented, “The physical and mental health benefits of being able to sit outside and breathe in fresh air are immense. Whilst many of us have been able to spend time in our gardens enjoying the weather, this hasn’t been any option for some of the most vulnerable children in our communities. As a result, the need for well-designed outdoor spaces has been amplified with more and more hospices joining the waiting list for our help. 

“The money raised from Garden Re-Leaf Day by STIHL and Sims Garden Machinery, as well as many others across the country, will help to ensure that thousands more life-limited children and their families can benefit from magical and inspiring outdoor spaces in 2021 and beyond.”

Simon Hewitt, head of marketing at STIHL GB, said, "STIHL GB has been supporting the Greenfingers charity for a number of years and this year, we wanted to get creative and try a different and more competitive approach to fundraising. 

"Well done to everyone who took part in supporting our Minutes Mowed challenge and for pushing through the last 10 weeks, come rain, shine, high winds and even hail.”

During this challenge, STIHL raised £582 for its’ current charity partner Greenfingers, and a number of further fundraising activities will take place through the course of 2021.