We are really happy to announce that our partnership with local charity, Slow The Flow and five local shops, has raised a whopping £856.09 in its first year!
For those of you who don’t know, Slow The Flow is a charity working in and around the Calder Valley, Friendly Soap’s beautiful, but sadly flood-prone home. Using ancient and non-invasive natural flood management techniques, such as swale digging, leaky dam building and tree planting, Slow The Flow is working to reduce the amount of water channelled into the bottom of our valley during periods of heavy rainfall.
Alongside their flood management work, Slow The Flow also offer fantastic educational resources free to schools and runs educational outreach programs like the Slow The Flow Roadshow.
As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, the work of charities like Slow The Flow becomes more and more important.
In March last year, we approached all of our retailers located in the Calder Valley, proposing that we donate 10% of our in-store sales to Slow The Flow. All five shops in the catchment area agreed and by May we had provided them with shiny new infographics to inform customers and to spread the word, and we were ready to go!
We’re really pleased to announce today that all those little ten percents have really added up!!
Here’s what Paul Williams – Trustee at Slow The Flow, had to say, ‘We're very grateful, donations like this are so helpful with both our practical natural flood management and our education work. They enable Slow the Flow to run regular volunteer sessions building leaky dams at Hardcastle Crags. Furthermore, from September, Friendly Soap’s donations will allow us to run a free practical ASDAN-certified natural flood management course in affiliation with Todmorden Climate College at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Broadhead Clough, Cragg Vale, This is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to gain experience and accreditation in NFM.’
Working together with local stores Valley Organics, Tod Almighty, The Garden Apothecary, Artichoke Natural Foods and Pennine Provisions, we are proud to contribute to Slow The Flow's efforts in reducing flood risks and providing valuable skills and resources. We extend our gratitude to everyone involved in supporting this worthy cause, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact of this educational programme in the Calder Valley and beyond.
