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“I do not k now where to sta rt with tha nking the volu nteers. It ha s been a joy to colla borate a nd work alongside you.” Melissa Ellis, Outgoing CEO, Foundation & Friends
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THE GARDENS SUMMER 2020–2021
e have just completed the COVID-19 opening night of our latest exhibition, Cultivate, and I reflected on what a beautiful evening it was, the support of the guests and of course the incredible effort by the volunteers and staff working together to create a lovely ambience on a tiny budget. This is the speciality of Foundation & Friends! This will be my last column as CEO of Foundation & Friends and I will remember my time with incredible fondness. The whole organisation has rallied during this crazy COVID-19 crisis and we have seen our Growing Friends plant sales double. We missed having our office volunteers who are such a big part of our lives and help us with the administrative task of running three separate organisations and a retail business. I acknowledge our magazine team, thank you for leaning in during these difficult times and continuing your support of Foundation & Friends. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Charlotte Terrier, Stephanie Chambers and Nicky Hammond who are leaving Foundation & Friends. These staff members have been
dedicated in their roles and will be greatly missed. I would like to take the time to thank Michelle Burke who’s professionalism and dedication is second to none. I leave the very capable Linda Cholson who has worked very hard on limited hours without one word of complaint. Thank you. To Samit and Melinda, our two newer staff members, I wish you good luck and hope you enjoy the experience of supporting this wonderful community. It has been a pleasure to work with Denise Ora, John Siemon, Dave Laughlin and the Executive Team of the Gardens. I thank them for embracing all of my ideas. To Donna Osland and Paul Nicholson, a big thank you for all your support and guidance. I do not know where to start with thanking the volunteers. It is all possible because of your dedication. It has been a joy to collaborate and work alongside you. I will make special mention of and wish Anne van Roekel all the very best as she retires from Growing Friends after an amazing 14 years’ contribution. Melissa Ellis
Photos: Carrie Alexander, Melissa Ellis, Michelle Burke, © Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT
