VOLUNTEERS from Deloite have given up their free time to help a community project in Douglas.

A number of staff from the company spent two days at The Children's Centre's Community Farm which is based at Walberry Farm on the Old Castletown Road.

They helped rebuild a wall for the kitchen garden and dug the holes needed for polytunnels which will enable to farm to grow produce throughout the year.

The Children's Centre is Deloitte's charity of the year and it has committed to raise £3,000 throughout the year for the purchase of a tractor for the farm.

Jenny Qualtrough, assistant manager of the tax department and head of the community investment team, said:
"Our community investment daays at The Children's Centre's new farm were a fantastic way for our staff members to come together and work as a team, in a different environment than we are used to, to achieve a collective goal.

"It was also an excellent way for our new student intake to get to know the rest of our team in a relaxed, informal setting away from the office routine. A great time was had by all. We're so happy that we've been able to contribute to this fantastic project."

The Community Farm aims to provide a therapeutic and educational resource for children, young people and families, covering areas including horticulture, animal husbandry, conservation and design and construction. It is scheduled to open to the public in spring 2012.

For more information about volunteering opportunities at the Community Farm contact Michelle O'Malley, fundraising manager at The Children's Centre, on 01624 631919 or e-mail fundraising@thechildrenscentre.org.im.