Interflora is taking fast, fabulous flowers to the next level - as part of their corporate social responsibility strategy...

Flowers are usually a sign of celebration. What better way for Interflora to give back to the community than by doing what they do best - flowers?As part our innovative corporate social responsibility strategy, we have embarked on three key projects: 100th birthday celebration arrangements; a charities flower sponsorship and a National Women's Day recognition project.

100^th Birthday flower arrangements

Celebrating your 100th birthday is not something that happens every day. Interflora makes this day even more special by presenting senior citizens with a beautiful arrangement of flowers. Local newspapers are also notified so that this extraordinary event receives the recognition that it deserves. Friends , family and the community can join in this special occasion. We remain committed to fulfilling our corporate social responsibility and making a difference to our community and country.

To recognise and honour the special women who have contributed in a positive way to our communities, Interflora launched their "Outstanding Women" competition for National Women's Day on 9 August 2007. The various Interflora Districts were asked to nominate candidates within their community and a winner was chosen by the district committee. In addition, each of these "outstanding women" were presented with a beautiful bouquet, a certificate and R1000.

Flower arrangement training

The press and community were invited to the prize-giving. On Sunday 7 October 2007, Interflora community projects gave 40 excited learners from Barnato Park High School a flower arrangement training session.

Sharon Louw, CEO of Interflora, explains that as part of Interflora’s commitment to the community. It was decided to put together a project to promote floristry training, where learners would get the opportunity to explore a career as a florist.

“We believe that floristry is a career that can offer young South Africans an array of career opportunities. However, there is a definite skills shortage and a lack of youth exposure to floristry as a career choice. We hope to counteract this and give pupils a glimpse of life as a florist.”

Grade 11 and 12 learners from a number of schools in the local community were invited to attend the training day. Barnato Park School responded immediately with 40 very excited, extremely interested learners. Throughout the day the learners were taught the basics of flower arrangement by our qualified trainers. They were then given the opportunity to arrange a posy of flowers as well as a vase arrangement on their own - the perfect way for them to try out their new skills! Each learner went home with the arrangements and a certificate of attendance.

Various sponsors joined Interflora to make the day a success.flower arrangement materials and training aids were provided courtesy of Multiflora (flowers, greenery and facilities); Grandiflora (containers and Braaks (oasis). Pick 'n Pay Park Meadows supplied food and refreshments, as well as notepads, pens and pencils. Technikon SA (now falling under the UNISA banner) supported this project in celebration of its long association with the floristry industry.

Find your ideal flower or gift at Interflora and order today!