Paintworks NI“I need your help!”
When Gerard Donaghy, from Millisle, County Down, shared those words on his Facebook page, he had no idea how people would respond.
He had a vision of bringing together painters and decorators from across Northern Ireland to give a building that serves the community a much-needed glow up.
On Saturday, a resource centre for families living with autism will be given a free makeover – thanks to more than 50 volunteers.
“You don’t have to look far to find bad news these days – it can weigh you down – but something like this reminds you that there’s still plenty of good out there,” the father of two told BBC News NI.
As well as looking for volunteers, Gerard, who runs Paintworks NI with his wife Danielle, asked for nominations for a building needing a transformation.
The successful nominee was Helping Hands Autism Resource Centre in Dundonald, on the outskirts of Belfast.
“As a dad of a daughter with additional needs, this one’s personal,” Gerard said.
“I walked into their space and saw what they were trying to do and I just knew we could help make it better.
“A coat of paint might not seem like much to some, but when it’s done with care and pride, it changes how a place feels – and that’s what these families deserve.”
‘Act of kindness’
Caroline Birch, chairperson of Helping Hands, said the organisation is “incredibly grateful for this act of kindness”.
“It means the world to our family members and the local community as well,” she said.
“We are absolutely delighted that Gerard and all the other guys have generously volunteered their time, equipment and expertise to support our charity by redecorating our premises.”
Paintworks NI“The makeover will create a brighter, more welcoming space for the children and families that Helping Hands supports every day,” she added.
Rising costs and funding difficulties can be stressful for charities.
But Caroline says the transformation has lifted the atmosphere and will allow them to “truly reflect the care and inclusion we strive to provide”.
“The Paint It Forward initiative stands as an excellent example of local businesses giving back and making a meaningful difference – we cannot thank them all enough,” she said.
“Here’s to a colourful brighter future for our charity.”
Paintworks NIPaint It Forward was something Gerard said he had been thinking about for years.
“What if we could get a crowd of decorators together, just for one day, to completely transform a place that really needs it? No hoops to jump through, no funding, just people showing up and using their skills to do good.”
Last year, he met the chairman of the Painting Contractors Association in the US, Nick Slavic, who told him: “It starts with one.”
“That conversation was the fuel that lit the fire,” he said.
“From the minute we mentioned it, people jumped on it.
‘We all have skills’
“I had painters messaging saying ‘Count me in’, without even knowing the full details.
“Suppliers stepped up with no hesitation… They just said yes – along with loads of local businesses who are chipping in too.
“At the heart of it, it’s just people wanting to be part of something positive.”
“I’d love to see this spark something across the board,” Gerard said.
“Whether you’re a roofer, a joiner, a landscaper, a plumber, we all have skills.
“If every trade gave one day a year to a cause in their community, imagine what we could do?”
