Pots of Cheer
The Pots of Cheer program is growing at a remarkable rate, with the help of an additional grant from the Foundation for Older Australians.
The Pots of Cheer program, which began a little over a year ago, has flourished with over 100 pots being delivered to older people in the community this autumn.
This program sees students from McLaren Vale Primary School growing "pots of cheer" to help brighten the days of older South Australians - and learning valuable life skills in the process.
Programs such as Pots of Cheer play an important role in helping older residents remain connected with their local communities. Older people who live by themselves or have trouble with mobility can often become isolated from the outside world.
Pots of Cheer is a wonderful example of how community spirit can help curb the loneliness some older people might feel. The program has been met with great enthusiasm, and all recipients of the flowering pots have been truly touched by students
Pots of Cheer was the brainchild of McLaren Vale Primary School's Environmental Education Coordinator, Mr Rob MacFarlane.
"Pots of Cheer has been a valuable vehicle for promoting students' learning," he said. "It has taught them responsibility and teamwork in caring for the plants, while developing empathy for older Australians and sense of community involvement.
"Students have learned how to work in a collaborative group and were involved in every stage of the program - from planting of the seedlings to the development of the logo which has been placed on the pots and the development of an information brochure.
Mr MacFarlane said students' response to the program received had been heartwarming. "The students were incredibly enthusiastic about 'Pots of Cheer', even to the point of wanting to take the pots home for their grandparents," he said.
"The children understand what a difference their gifts would make to the older residents."
Each pot is accompanied by an information brochure, describing the program and providing care instructions for the flowers, as well as a watering can.
The second grant has provided a hot house with irrigation and benches to enable plants to be grown from seed, decreasing ongoing costs for long term sustainability of the program.
Other schools have expressed interest in the program and we hope to roll out Pots of Cheer to many more schools and communities across the state.
By expanding 'Pots of Cheer, we hope to continue putting smiles on the faces of older South Australians!
The Foundation for Older Australians is actively seeking sponsors to contribute to this program and other positive ageing programs. Please speak to Kathryn on 8414 4600 for further information.
