30 Ways in 30 Days
#3
Plant flowers, or clean up the garden
The gardens or flowers that surround the Ronald McDonald House bring families a sense of home.
The Ronald McDonald House in Kochi, Japan gets help with its garden from a special volunteer - Mr. Umeda. After the House opened, Mr. Umeda planted a garden of colorful flowers and year-round blossoms. Mr. Umeda cares for the garden daily; during azalea season, he is there as much as eight hours a day.
"The beautiful garden makes our House so bright and is a delight to the families staying here," says Mikako Yamamoto, field relations manager of RMHC Japan. The families not only appreciate the garden; they enjoy the company of Mr. Umeda, who always makes time to talk with a parent, play with a child or guide tiny hands in the tending of a flower.
If you'd like to volunteer your gardening skills, get in touch with your local Chapter or search VolunteerMatch to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your area.
