“Flowers always make people better, happier and more hopeful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.” – Luther Burbank
Did you know WPE is connected to a group of women that create floral arrangements from flowers donated? It’s true! The group came together during the early days of the pandemic. Chris Stieger knew that longtime volunteer, Reid Edwards, had access to beautiful flowers through WPE. Reid’s wife, Phyllis, and Chris shared a love for gardening and wanting to connect – especially during Covid – and an idea took root. Chris offered use of her backyard for arranging flower bouquets and a group blossomed and grew as new friends like Lynn Davies joined the fun! In September, the flower friends celebrated delivery of their 3,000th bouquet to groups including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, front facing retail workers, and senior centers. The friends cherish their opportunity to spread some joy through flowers.
“We started to deliver bouquets to nurses who were administering Covid tests and vaccines,” said Phyllis, “Then we branched out. Anywhere there was a frontline worker – We wanted to bring them flowers!” They found their rhythm and were soon delivering to pharmacies, schools, and senior centers. “We went anywhere we thought our bouquets would brighten someone’s day.” Now they get requests. “The Jewish Family and Community Services has requested bouquets for their events. We love supporting other non-profits.”
“The flowers from White Pony Express supplement what we all bring from our gardens,” said Phyllis. “LeAnn [WPE staff] is a dream, always finding great bouquets we can use.”
All of us taking care of all of us is showcased through this sharing of beauty and love. A small gift of love that’s shared with a neighbor can blossom into a movement. Thank you flower friends for sharing WPE’s bouquets with our Contra Costa family!