Sweet gesture: How you can make a major difference with violets

Two businesses have launched a fundraising initiative that is set to help the region’s youth. Here’s how you can help make an impact.

FLOWER POWER: At the flower bed' display outside Quest Toowoomba are (from left to right) Pearl Nilsen, Ethan Peterson and William Doidge from Emerge Café

FLOWERS are set to brighten up the lives of the young people of Toowoomba, who are going through a difficult time, thanks to two businesses.

Quest Toowoomba has partnered with social enterprise Emerge Cafe, as part of a fundraising initiative and is calling on the community for assistance.

At the flower bed' display outside Quest Toowoomba are (from left to right) Rikki Cutts, Jenny O'Reilly, Ethan Peterson, William Doidge, Pearl Nilsen, Jhozel Trecene and Jess Otto.

As part of the Quest for a Cause program, the business has purchased 350 flower pots and soil and are asking the community to donate violets, which will be available to purchase, with proceeds helping to fund the cafe’s youth work venture.

Owners of the local hotel Tony and Jenny O’Reilly said they would be contributing violets from their own garden, for the worthy cause.

“I like Emerge because they are incredibly enthusiastic and committed to changing lives of young people in the community for the better,” Ms O’Reilly said.

“During carnival we participate in the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce Carnival in the CBD which involves decorating your business shop front.

“This year our theme is ‘unlock your dreams’, because Emerge unlocks the dreams and potential of local youth in our community.”

At the flower bed' display outside Quest Toowoomba are (from left to right) Pearl Nilsen, Ethan Peterson and William Doidge from Emerge Café

Violets will also be placed in the hotel rooms of guests staying during the Carnival of Flowers, as part of a special welcome pack, along with free coffee vouchers at Emerge and information on its vital youth work.

In a bid to support Emerge’s work and encourage tourists to take a piece of the garden city home with them, the sweet gesture pays respect to the history the region has with the flower.

In 1932, the violet was declared Toowoomba’s floral emblem after families of World War I soldiers who did not return home, sold the flowers and used the proceeds to build a memorial.

Emerge Cafe founder Jen Shaw said the youth work her business performed was unique as it’s a non-government organisation.

“(We) employ the kids we support, and the cafe business then supports our organisation,” Ms Shaw said.

“We have complete control in how we run our programs and we don’t stop after three or six months … when kids join Emerge they join our family, and sometimes it can take two years to build trust.

“When they’ve lost confidence, we throw opportunities at them so they can begin to see what’s possible and what they can achieve.”

William Doidge from Emerge Cafe.

Volunteers from Emerge will be potting the violets received, which will be available to purchase from the cafe and Quest reception desk from September 11.

If you would like to donate violets, please bring them to the Emerge Cafe.