A flower company is sending out bouquets for random acts of kindness. Prestige Flowers has supplied more than 500 bunches since launching its Leaving Smiles UK campaign during the Covid pandemic in 2020.
Mohammad Khan from Prestige Flowers said: “Flowers are a great way to brighten up someone’s day, combining natural beauty and artistic flair in arrangements to induce feelings of calm and joy. By anonymously leaving these bouquets for strangers, people can help to lift their spirits and allow them to appreciate the kindness of fellow humans.
“The clue of what we are trying to do is in the title of the campaign - spreading smiles across the UK and making the world a better place during some of the toughest times many of us have experienced.”
Prestige Flowers has partnered with Cancer Research UK, Barnardos and Cystic Fibrosis Trust for the mood-boosting project. The bouquets are sent out free of charge to participants, who then leave them in a public place together with a “Take Me Home” card that has details of 11 national helplines - including Domestic Violence and Samaritans - printed on it.
People are encouraged to post pictures of the bouquets and their locations on social media, along with the hashtag #leavingsmilesuk. Mr Khan added: “It’s great when we see the updates on Facebook and Instagram so we can track the journeys our bouquets make.
“It’s really important to spread these smiles and with our Take Me Home cards we are also reassuring those who might be going through a difficult time that there are people they can talk to and who can help them. The campaign was launched during the early stages of the Covid pandemic, when many were struggling due to feeling isolated at home for months and not being able to spend time with their loved ones.
“The main issues affecting people have changed since then. We’re now facing up to extortionate domestic fuel and grocery prices that are forcing some to choose between heating and eating. But the sentiment remains the same - you are not alone and hopefully a beautiful bunch of flowers will help you smile and make your day.”
Previous arrangements have been left in locations such as public parks, outside care homes and in local beauty spots. If you want to get involved in the Leaving Smiles UK campaign visit Prestige Flowers’ dedicated Facebook and Instagram pages.
