Planting Seeds Of Support: Ruxley Marks 150th Birthday With ellenor Charity Of The Year Partnership

As part of its 150th birthday, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre has chosen ellenor as its Charity of the Year for 2026.

Now led by the fifth generation of the Evans family, the award-winning Sidcup garden centre will back ellenor with a year-long programme of fundraising, events and awareness-raising.

If you visit, you’re likely to catch a glimpse of ellenor – spot staff wearing the charity’s pin badges, buy a raffle ticket for a lovely prize, and look out for their charity events throughout the year.

They will also have a donation station for customers to bring their pre-loved items for ellenor to sell in their shops, on Ebay or Vinted.

Ruxley is also sponsoring a bear sculpture as part of ellenor’s summer art trail “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt in Dartford, which opens in July; and will be joining in with their September Twilight Walk around Gravesend – plus volunteering too. ”
They will also support ellenor’s Green Shoots weekly garden therapy class for patients, their families or bereaved people.

Director James Evans, said: “ellenor’s work touches families at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives, and the compassion, dignity and care they offer deeply resonated with us.

“Each generation has added something new, and the business today is very different to all those years ago, but what hasn’t changed is our core values – quality, care and community. Being able to mark this milestone while supporting a charity like ellenor feels especially meaningful.”

ellenor’s Corporate Partnerships Manager Jemma Kemp, added: “Ruxley’s reach and reputation locally will help more families understand the support available to them from ellenor. This partnership reflects everything ellenor stands for – community, care and connection.”

Find out more about ellenor here
Find out more about Ruxley Manor Garden Centre here