Ideal Collection’s first Ideal Foundation project is a success
Ideal Collection, a leading group of bars, restaurants and pubs in Hampshire, have reported that their first project, ‘Community Roots’, has been a great success.
This marks the first project launched by Ideal Foundation, an initiative set up by Ideal Collection focusing on projects within the Hampshire area.
Community Roots was set up in partnership with Southampton Voluntary Services in September to help those marginalised by society to integrate themselves back into the heart of the region. The project saw Ideal Foundation adopt an allotment in the Polygon, Southampton, which had previously had its funding withdrawn. The allotment now has a strong team in place, with a project manager and around 12 volunteers who look after and maintain the site.
Oliver Weeks, Managing Director at Ideal Collection said “This project was set up to bring those on the edges of society back into the heart of the community. The allotment is looking great, and the project is progressing excellently. We’re now looking ahead to achieve our overall goal - opening a not-for-profit cafe specifically to host all the local produce the team are growing.”
The Ideal Foundation team are currently exploring venues for the Community Roots café which will operate as a training centre for the allotment volunteers. The café will teach kitchen and front of house skills which will give the volunteers a head start into the hospitality industry, and could even lead to employment within Ideal Collection. These plans sit hand in hand with Ideal Collection’s own dedication to using locally sourced produce in their venues, wherever possible.
Matt Boyle, founder of Ideal Collection said “I’ve lived and worked in Southampton my whole life and it’s incredibly rewarding to see this project come together.”
Ideal Collection’s dedication to community projects was recognised at the recent South Coast Business Awards 2014 where they were presented with the ‘Commitment to the Region’ award.
If you want to find out more about Community Roots, Ideal Foundation or Ideal Collection, then simply visit the website www.idealcollection.co.uk, call 01489 889100 or email loyalty@idealcollection.co.uk