Last chance to help...
A Rotherham charity hoping to paint a brighter future by winning a national competition has made a final plea for votes.
Rotherham Rise is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and has recently moved into new premises on Main Street which is being transformed into a women’s centre to provide support for women and children affected by domestic and sexual abuse.
The women's centre will also offer support, courses, activities, events and groups for all women.
It is one of four finalists competing for the makeover prize in the Johnstone’s Trade Community Spirit campaign.
Community projects around the UK were invited by the leading paint manufacturer to submit applications for the competition, with the winner receiving a redecoration of its facility up to the value of £10,000.
Well over 100 entries from projects were received, with a judging panel selecting four for the shortlist based on criteria such as the impact the project has on the community and the urgency for redecoration.
With just a week to go before the public vote closes next Monday (February 29), Rotherham Rise has called on the public to get online to boost its chances of success. To vote for Rotherham Rise, visit www.johnstonestrade.com/communityspirit
Sue Wynne, chief executive of Rotherham Rise, believes winning a complete redecoration of the facility would provide a huge boost to the charity.
“We are in new premises and are delighted with our new building,” said Sue.
“But if we were to win the Community Spirit competition, it would allow us to create a warm and friendly environment for people wanting to use the centre.
“We would urge everyone to make the effort to go to the website and make their vote count.”
Rotherham Rise’s quest to win Community Spirit is being backed by Rotherham United Football Club.
Rotherham defender Frazer Richardson said: “I would urge everyone living in and around Rotherham to vote for Rotherham Rise.”
The other shortlisted finalists are based in Glasgow, Nottingham and London.
Richard Mazurkiewicz, marketing manager for Johnstone’s Trade, said: “We’ve seen huge interest in our Community Spirit campaign with thousands of votes already cast, but there is still time for people to make the difference by voting for their favourite project.”
Johnstone’s has a long history as one of the UK’s foremost professional trade paint brands.