Rotherham United

Rotherham Rise was victorious in the Johnstone’s Trade Community Spirit campaign, beating off competition from more than 100 charities and community groups. Four entries were shortlisted to go before a public vote.

The charity’s new base 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, as well as access to groups and activities for all women, will now benefit from a redecoration makeover up to the value of £10,000.

The competition was organised by leading paint manufacturer Johnstone’s Trade and the work will be carried out by Painting & Decorating contractor Bell Group.

Paul Steedman, Bell Group Director, said:

"We are delighted to support the Rotherham Rise project; offering our skilled tradespeople to complete the decorations to a professional standard.

As a family business we value the importance of giving back to communities, and are proud that this remains at the heart of Bell Group. For over 25 years we have proactively engaged in community projects to provide social dividend to our clients, customers and local charities and honoured to be asked by Johnstone’s Trade to support this worthy cause”

Johnstone’s will provide expert colour and paint advice, as well as all the materials for the redecoration from the Johnstone’s Decorating Centre on the Parkway Industrial Estate, Nunnery Drive, Sheffield.

Sue Wynne, chief executive of Rotherham Rise, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to win the Johnstone’s Trade Community Spirit prize.

“It is going to have a massive impact and I don’t think we would have been able to open for quite some time if we hadn’t won this competition.

“I can’t thank Johnstone’s Trade and the people who voted for us enough.”

The other shortlisted finalists were Project Ability in Glasgow, the Oasis Community Centre in Worksop and the Hawksmoor Youth Club in Greenwich.

The Community Spirit campaign has been run in conjunction with the Football League Trophy, which is being sponsored by Johnstone’s for the tenth consecutive season in 2015-16.

All the finalists had the backing of their local professional football club, with Sky Bet Championship side Rotherham United supporting Rotherham Rise’s entry.

Richard Mazurkiewicz, marketing manager for Johnstone’s Trade, said: “All of the shortlisted finalists would have been worthwhile winners and Rotherham Rise certainly falls into that category.

“The charity doessome fantastic work around a very difficult subject and we are delighted that the redecoration makeover will help it open up their new services and premises over the coming months.

“Johnstone’s Trade has always maintained a strong commitment to working closely with local communities and we are excited at having another opportunity to do that with Rotherham Rise."