Replies to This Discussion

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Graeme @ BGS on August 22, 2010 at 12:42

I think it is an excellent idea.

In the past we have donated a percentage of the takings towards particular causes. For example, quite a few of our clients have suffered (or have family members) from a stoke and even a pound from each job over a weeks period makes a sizable donation.

However given that we have discussed donating to LJN to assist Phil with running the site and judging by some of the comments I do have to question how many would support your suggestion.

• ▶ Reply

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gary RK on August 22, 2010 at 14:13

Graeme,

Point taken. I guess until that old chesnut is resolved it may not work.....I felt it was a positive way to associate 'us', LJN and a worthwhile charity....but unless it gains further support its no-goer

I saw several ways - an fixed amount, % of membership donations or some form of micro-payment click per page/charity advert.

Maybe it would give members the opportunity to help by using the Charities logo etc on their website/correspondance, be involved with local events (open days, fete's etc, programmes, brouchures) and also gain some exposure for the good of everyone. Currently, we support/donate to The Phylis TuckWell Hospice & Disability Challengers here in Sunny (!) Surrey.

• ▶ Reply

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Phil Voice on August 22, 2010 at 14:41

Wouldn't it be nice if we could create out own LJN sickness/benefit/pension policy for members so that the charity we support is our own network members??

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Andy Thorne on August 22, 2010 at 19:44

Sorry Phil but that sounds more like investing/buying into insurance than giving to charity which, the way I see it is giving without expecting anything in return!
That is not to say that your idea is a bad one, just that it doesn't sound much like charity to me!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by T & S Plants on August 22, 2010 at 20:02

Strangely, and perhaps a first, I agree with Phil.

Now perhaps this is through me mellowing, perhaps not, or Phil having a well earned week off.

Either way, Phil you are spot on. A Landscaping/Horticultural organisation set up by LJN members, for LJN members is surely what this network should be about.

For those companies that want to donate seperately to charities they can obviously continue to do so. For with over 1000 members LJN will never decide which charity to support, backed by all of the membership.

I think that I need a sit down, I agree with Phil about something.

• ▶ Reply

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gary RK on August 22, 2010 at 20:33

An interesting concept.

If I look at it another way, could there be options to have:

1/ LJN support a Charity/Charities, ie the concept of giving for the benefit of others...

2/ LJN develop as a Charity itself (an association for the benefit of its members) and provide services such as support for those struggling, advice, medical/income policies, pensions etc.

I think i'm right in that quite a few 'trade' associations have gone down this route and set up as a charitable organisation.

Worth further thought, Phil ?

• ▶ Reply

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Rowly Hill on August 22, 2010 at 23:31

Good idea I'm up for it - that is supporting a gardening related charity but not LSJ members - we choose our path (normally) but are not held back by health and other issues . I'm sure there are hundreds of deserving projects that we could support in some way in the Uk and personally I would be more inclined to support disadvantaged kids/youth schemes ( but thats just my thoughts).

But I fear I see the tumble weed......donations to LSJ to aid the progression of the site as a post received little attention and this may "die a death"

It's a shame that with the large number of members that only a few are regularly active and more likely to contribute to this positive suggestion.

• ▶ Reply

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Gary RK on August 23, 2010 at 11:22

Thanks for that Rowly.

I would love to see LJN support a Charity (such a Thrive as mentioned by Gary C above) as well as Phil's idea.

As an individual and a business, I really enjoy putting something back, whether it be supporting LJN or the less fortunate. To me, it makes the world a better place.

I suspect your last comments do reflect the reality of it......

• ▶ Reply

PRO MemberPermalink Reply by Phil Voice on August 23, 2010 at 11:59

If it were an insurance/pension product, I would envisage that the profits were re-invested in the site as well as go towards good causes within landscaping and gardening; this way, if members purchased a policy, they'd not only be getting the cover they need, they'd also be contributing to the site as well as furthering our collective goals of supporting everyone within our industry.

My biggest challenge lies in attracting the right organisation to partner with. I've written many emails - including to Lloyds Bank and the NFU - encouraging them to get involved but they seem to fail to see the benefits.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Andrew Fisher Tomlin on August 23, 2010 at 14:42

Gary C said:

Sounds like a good idea to me.

Personally I would think it would need to be a garden related charity like this one.

I don't personally know about this charity I'm just giving it as an example.

There's a similar one operating near to me called The Jubilee Garden Project.

I think everyone on here could relate to a charity like that.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Andrew Fisher Tomlin on August 23, 2010 at 14:45

Thanks Gary - as a trustee of Thrive I'd naturally recommend the charity for the outstanding achievements possible with horticulture and gardening. It'd also seem really appropriate for a landscape community.

Gary C said:

Sounds like a good idea to me.

Personally I would think it would need to be a garden related charity like this one.

I don't personally know about this charity I'm just giving it as an example.

There's a similar one operating near to me called The Jubilee Garden Project.

I think everyone on here could relate to a charity like that.

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion