A BOROUGH charity has planted a sapling in Wokingham’s central park to mark 20 years of serving youngsters in the borough.
Staff and volunteers from Me2 gathered in Elms Field to plant the young tree, which will grow beside the park’s two existing mature willows.
Chin Davies, CEO of Me2 Club, said: “We’re here today to celebrate our 20th Anniversary.
“Planting a tree symbolises growth, and celebrates all the children and young in Wokingham and Reading that we’ve been able to help to grow, over the past 20 years.
“Wokingham Town Council advised which trees would grow well here and gave us a couple of options, including a blossom tree and a willow.
“We chose the willow because it symbolises growth and a sense of belonging.
“As a tree it has very strong roots, and good foundations – it doesn’t just survive, it thrives.
“And that really resonates with Me2 Club because we want all our children to thrive.”
The charity has been supporting children and young people with additional needs, in Wokingham and more recently, Reading, for two decades.
“We were originally founded by a group of parents from Wokingham,” she continued.
“Then three years ago we were able to expand into Reading, but we’re very much aware that our roots, like this tree, are here.
“We very much hope that this young willow will thrive and grow, and become a meeting point for Me2 Club members in future.”
Me2 Club volunteers enable children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, aged from five to 19 years, to attend a weekly mainstream activity of their choice.
The volunteers, who are often young people themselves, give children and other young people the encouragement and support they need to get involved, gain confidence, make friends and have fun.
Morag Malvern, Wokingham in Bloom Chair, said: “Wokingham Town Council is delighted to support Me2Club in marking its 20th anniversary by planting a tree at Elms Field.”
The charity is keen to find people and organisations willing to take on a sponsored challenge such as swimming or sky diving, run a fundraising event for Me2 Club, offer a school dress-down day, or who could choose Me2 Club as their charity of the year.
For more information, call: 0118 969 6369 or email:info@me2club.org.uk.
To find out more about the charity, and how it can help a young person, visit: www.me2club.org.uk
Photo shows, not in order: “Vicky, Rose, Sabrina, Louise, Lucy, Charlotte.
Rose is volunteer ambassador, Chin is CEO, others staff members.
