More than 20 businesses have already pledged to help spruce up Plymouth’s YMCA building - but even more are needed.
The charity, thought to be the oldest in Plymouth, is calling for assistance from the business community during its Pledge to Paint weekend in April 2022.
The centre, in Honicknowle, is undergoing a £1m renovation, but is relying on goodwill and donations from businesses to help out with the upgrade.
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And although it has recently opened a new gym and immersive cycle studio, it still has much work to do at the 1970s building. So it is calling on businesses to get involved on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 8, 9 and 10, 2022.
Sarah Newberry, fundraising and corporate sales lead at YMCA Plymouth, said: “Join local businesses and people from the community as we gather an army of decorators to transform the oldest charity in the city.
“Since the 1970s the YMCA Plymouth has supported local families with health and wellbeing, cardiac rehabilitation, education, disability sports and crisis support and now we need you.
“With your help we plan to colour our centre over one weekend and bring us bang up to date to create a space that you can be even more proud of.”
YMCA Plymouth recently unveiled a new gym and cardiac rehab services area, and a new hi-tech immersive spin studio, with its five-metre screen, showing VR images, and LED strip lighting.
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But the site is also home to the YMCA’s Discovery College, which has 180 students learning on a range of courses including business, travel and tourism and child care.
Ms Newberry said: “From painting classrooms used for education, to fitness rooms used for health and wellbeing, there’s much to be done and every stroke of a brush helps.”
She said firms are encouraged to pledge time, and can decide themselves just how much time they can spare, adding: “ It can be as little as an hour to as much as the full weekend.”
She said volunteer businesses can also decide who to bring and said: “Decorating is much more fun with friends and colleagues so get them signed up too.”
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She added: “We already have 20 businesses volunteering. So come and have fun. There will be ample supplies of tea, coffee and cakes and music to keep you going. This should really create a community feel and make you feel part of something special.”
She said there are other ways to help the charity too, such as by donating paint, particularly gloss brilliant white, and brushes, and added: “If you aren’t able to lend a hand that weekend then there are other ways you can support the challenge.”
Any business that can help is asked to contact Ms Newberry at sarah.newberry@ymcaplymouth.org.uk or by ringing her on 01752 761000.