Gardening for refugees

Ruth Carter and her husband, Jan Swinnen, are long-time supporters of Australia for UNHCR, donating monthly to help those forced to flee. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Ruth began selling her plants to fundraise for refugees in need. To date, she has raised over $11,000 to support those fleeing war, violence and persecution.

We spoke to Ruth about her love for gardening and what motivates her to give.

Can you tell us more about yourself? 

Before I retired, I worked in general practice and with disadvantaged people for 10 years. I worked in Kings Cross, Sydney, to help people experiencing homelessness and using drugs. After that, I became interested in Aboriginal medicine and decided to work in remote communities in the Northern Territory. I used to go out in a four-wheel drive to do clinics in tiny little places, which was quite fun.  

Now, I spend most of my time gardening. My husband’s taken over cooking the meals because I'm out in the garden until the last possible light.  

When did you start gardening? 

I’ve always loved growing plants. I completed a TAFE certificate in wholesale nursery because that was my interest. Now that my children are all in their thirties and travelling around the world, I have time to garden and sell my plants.  

I started during lockdown. I thought, I’m locked down in my garden, I’ve got so many plants and can propagate them, put them in pots and sell them. Even if shops weren’t open, I could sell them remotely. I started by using an honesty system. I put a little money box out the front of my house and had the plants next to it. Later on, I bought myself a Square device and started using EFTPOS. This became useful when I began selling plants at markets. My husband, who is a retired surgeon, helps me with carrying, packing and lifting so that I can get my plants from the markets and then home again. I advertise my products on different Facebook pages and under the name Ruth’s Plants.  

What drew you to start fundraising for refugees? 

Before the lockdown, I was donating money to UNHCR from the annual Garage Trail Sale. When lockdown ended, I realised how lucky I was to be able to go back to my normal life. People in refugee camps can’t do that. And people forget about them. I feel so strongly about it – that there’s all these people from around the world forced to flee and people forget about them. Take Sudan and the Rohingya, for example. Nobody knows much about them because they’re only on the news for a short period of time, until the media feels it's no longer newsworthy.  

I’ve read about Malala Yousafzai, and I remember so clearly when she said no one leaves their home voluntarily. There must be a very good reason for you to leave your home. And people forget that. That’s really what I’m trying to do – raise awareness through my sales about why people are forced to flee and the work of UNHCR. As well as selling plants and donating money, I’d like to think I’m doing some consciousness-raising with people to think about the plight of refugees.  

I see it as a win-win situation. I love my plants, and I enjoy propagating plants. Now, I have somewhere to take them to rather than overpopulate my garden. People are getting healthy plants and the money’s going to charity.  

What would you say to other people interested in fundraising for refugees? Do you have any tips or advice?  

I think it’s a good thing to do because it’s good to give back. You feel better doing something for someone else rather than just yourself. I thoroughly recommend doing it for a recognised charity and one that you know works and makes a difference. Learning more about Australia for UNHCR while fundraising for them has also helped me promote their work better through my sales.  

You can find Ruth’s Plants online on Facebook or at Newington Markets every third Saturday of the month.  

Interested in fundraising for refugees, like Ruth? Click on the link below to get started. 

FUNDRAISE FOR US