Locals urged to brighten up communities

‘MANY hands make light work’ is the motto of this year’s Dulux Let’s Colour Project 2013.

The national and local appeal is calling on people to lend a hand to improve local communities and charity projects by taking part in the initiative.

Now in it’s third year, Irish charities including Barnardos, LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, Volunteer Ireland, Dublin’s Simon Community and One Family, with help from the John Bosco Project on the Davitt Road, gathered at the launch to highlight the 400 projects that have benefitted to date.

Dozens of local projects were given a lick of paint last year including Dublin’s Simon Community, the Barnardos shop in Dun Laoghaire, the Children’s Sunshine Home in Leopardstown and Tallaght’s local theatre.

This year there are 24,000 litres of paint up for grabs and community projects, charities, schools, hospitals and sports clubs can all apply to have their cause considered.

To date 67,020 litres of Dulux paint have been awarded to 77 crèches and schools, 97 community centres, 53 youth cafes, 40 sports clubs and hundreds of charities for the young and the elderly that all needed an uplifting colourful transformation.

Barnardos’ bridal rooms were transformed by the Let’s Colour Project last year.

Bernadette Harrington heads up the Bridal Rooms, which sell brand new bridal gowns in Dun Laoghaire.

“This is just a great, simple but effective initiative as anyone can make it happen,

? she said.

“Our shops have to be enticing to draw people in. However, it can be difficult to secure the funds to make our shops look attractive.

“The Let’s Colour Project helped. I’d encourage charities and community groups to get registered and get painting. It will lift the spirits of all those involved.

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According to Yvonne McKenna, the CEO of Volunteer Ireland:

“Generosity knows no bounds in Ireland, not only when it comes to donating money, but time, which can often be more valuable.

“We’ve seen the impact people have made over the past two years and the Let’s Colour Project 2013 is a great excuse to support a local charity or community project this year, while having some fun at the same time.

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Olivia Kearney of the Dulux Let’s Colour Project pointed out that paint, or anything aesthetic is the last item on the shopping list of cash-strapped charities.

“Most importantly this is about people contributing and playing their part,

? she said.

“We’ve seen spirited stories from all over the country with people willing to roll up their sleeves, give up their time to pick up a paint brush. This is what Irish charity and community work is all about.

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People can nominate their local project by logging onto www.dulux.ie