Portlanders to Receive Free Flowers in Petal It Forward Event.
On Wednesday, October 16, Portland residents will have the chance to receive free flowers, courtesy of the national flower wholesaler Mayesh. The company’s Portland branch is participating in the annual Petal It Forward event, organized by the Society of American Florists. This initiative, supported by the Pacific Northwest Florist Association and numerous local florists, will distribute thousands of flowers in pairs: one bouquet for recipients to keep and another to give to a stranger.
Mayesh, a well-known name at the Portland Flower Market on Swan Island, has been selling fresh-cut flowers in a variety of colors and sizes for over a decade. In addition to Mayesh, the Portland Flower Market will also distribute fresh bouquets to brighten people’s days.
Roxie Amoroso, a Petal It Forward organizer, highlighted the challenge of giving flowers to strangers. “It was no easy feat, giving strangers anything—even just flowers,” she shared in an email to WW.
A survey conducted by the Society of American Florists builds on a 2005 study by Dr. Jeannette Haviland-Jones from Rutgers University, which explored the emotional wellness benefits of flowers. While many people enjoy having flowers at home or at work, the survey revealed that only 40% of Americans have used florists for their floral needs. This suggests that people may be obtaining flowers from other sources. Nonetheless, the survey underscores the mental and emotional benefits that giving and receiving flowers can bring.
“It’s delightful to see someone unexpectedly receive flowers; it’s fun to see their eyes light up,” said Amy Gebhardt, Mayesh’s general manager in Portland, in a press release. “People love to get flowers ‘just because,’ so we want to create random smiles and give people a chance to do the same for someone else.”
On October 16, flower distribution will also occur at several locations, including the South Waterfront, the south end of Powell’s City of Books, Grant High School, Beverly Cleary Elementary School, the Adidas headquarters, and Portland International Airport.
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