Much-loved Canberra social enterprise GG’s Flowers & Hampers has taken delivery of a brand new portable cool room to help them share the love - and employment opportunities - far and wide just in time for Valentine's Day.

This vital development in the GG’s story was made possible by an AMP Tomorrow Fund grant awarded to co-founder, Nipuni ‘Nip’ Wijewickrema.

Nip’s social enterprise florist business stems from the heart. The former Young Australian of the Year ACT co-founded GG’s in her garage to ensure her sister Gayana, who has Down Syndrome, would have employment after completing high school.

“My employees are proudly paid at award wages and provided with a safe, compassionate and understanding workplace, in which they can truly flourish”

Based in Yarralumla, GG’s Flowers & Hampers now provides meaningful work in a supportive environment for 12 people with special needs. With the help of the AMP Tomorrow Fund grant, awarded late last year, Nip aims to take her socially sustainable florist to the next level and cater for corporates and events much further afield.

“My employees are proudly paid at award wages and provided with a safe, compassionate and understanding workplace, in which they can truly flourish,” said Nip. 

“You only have to see Gayana grin from ear to ear as she delivers flowers to realise the power employment can have one someone with a disability. This is what GG’s is all about – inclusion and empowerment.

“Now we hope to impact more lives of people who, up until now, have been locked out of the job market. We’ll be kicking off the year with a bang, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner.”

AMP’s Tomorrow Fund - The AMP Foundation’s annual $1 million grants program - invites Australians from all walks of life, abilities and interests to apply for help with a goal that will benefit the community. In 2017, 45 AMP Tomorrow Makers shared in $1 million in grants.      

Head of the AMP Foundation Helen Liondos said the calibre of AMP Tomorrow Makers was growing stronger every year: “Our AMP Tomorrow Makers all share a selflessness and sense of determination we believe should be supported and celebrated. It’s so satisfying to be able to help Nipuni build on all her good work and make a positive impact on more lives.”

AMP's Tomorrow Fund 

For the full list of AMP Tomorrow Makers 2017, visit ampstomorrowfund.com.au. 
Go to Nipuni’s AMP Tomorrow Fund profile page to watch her video. 

Applications for AMP’s Tomorrow Fund 2018 open in April. Anyone who thinks they have what it takes to be a Tomorrow Maker can visit ampstomorrowfund.com.au to register their interest. 

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