Robertsons introduces Generosity Blossoms to Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia

by Walt Maguire
Posted 4/23/21

Through September 1, Robertson's Flowers and Events in Chestnut Hill will contribute 20% of sales of its Generosity Blossoms to Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia.

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Robertsons introduces Generosity Blossoms to Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia

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Through September 1, Robertson's Flowers and Events in Chestnut Hill will contribute 20% of sales of its Generosity Blossoms to Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia.

Each arrangement is an exclusive seasonal design in honor of the partner group. The Habitat for Humanity blossoms are roses and mini-hydrangea.

“Right now, it’s spring, so it’s orange-peach yellow tones,” explained Taylor Ferry, Director of Sales & Operations at Robertson’s. “Then, come summer, probably July, we’ll change it to something a little more ‘summery’ just to keep it seasonally relevant.”
Each arrangement includes a note confirming that 20% of the sale goes to Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, supporting projects to build and repair homes for Philadelphia families. They expect sales to be especially high in the spring for graduations and Mother's Day.

Robertson’s has worked with Habitat before and it seemed the right time to do it again.

“With COVID, we wanted to do what seemed relevant,” Ferry said. “Our last partnership, which just expired, was with Philabundance.”

That partnership assisted families that lost a pipeline to aid when schools and businesses locked down.

“That one kind of struck a nerve,” Ferry said.

Habitat for Humanity is famously known for the involvement of former President Jimmy Carter over the years, but perhaps less known for its local impact. Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia has built or sold 216 affordable homes to first-time homeowners in Philadelphia and has strategically partnered with more than 500 families to make critical home repairs. The pandemic paused construction but they shifted to online where possible. In March 2020 they started the Home Together Fund to prepare for renewed efforts once the pandemic allowed. They moved home repair lessons and “sweat equity” programs online. In May 2020, construction renewed on 20 houses at their Oxford Green site.

“We get dozens of donation requests a month, and we try to support as many places as we can,” said Ferry. “We just love that this kind of shows what a community can do together. It’s nice to partner with an organization and market their mission, and really get our community and our customer base involved.”

Robertson’s has been assisting charities for a long time, but the current system was developed in 2017. The six-month length keeps the concept fresh for customers while being long enough to generate decent funds. The Philabundance campaign raised around $5,000.

“We’re really thrilled for this type of partnership,” said Deidra Duncan, Habitat Director of Development. “It’s a great way to support a local Chestnut Hill business and know that you’re also supporting affordable housing in Philadelphia.”

Habitat is currently working on Oxford Green, a 20-home affordable housing community at 23rd and Oxford Streets in North Philadelphia. Groundbreaking was in May 2019; the first family home was dedicated in December 2019; then the project halted from March to May 2020. They expect construction to be complete by June, with most families moving in by May.

“That ensures that twenty families have opportunities for first-time, affordable homeownership, through Habitat’s homeownership program,” said Duncan. “The partnership [with Roberston’s] is essential to all of the work Habitat does. As we continue to build and repair homes, and work towards our vision of a city where everyone has a decent place to live, the partnership will help us bring even more Philadelphia families home to a place that is safe, warm and dry.”

“It’s not necessarily Robertson’s writing this check – it’s the community together,” said Ferry. “That always feels good.”

Habitat is holding a Building Hope Virtual Lunch-In fundraiser on May 4.

More info about the Generosity Blossoms campaign can be found at: robertsonsflowers.com/generosity-blossoms/