Local reuse charity Reclaim (part of Vision 21) is celebrating the 18th year of their Community RePaint scheme, having first opened their doors to paint reuse in 2005.
Staff and volunteers from Community RePaint Cheltenham have been collecting paint that would otherwise have gone for disposal and redistributed it to individuals, charities and community groups at affordable prices to help brighten homes and community spaces.
Reclaim strives to provides furniture, electrical appliances and paint for an affordable price. Not only does the shop help our planet and reduce the unnecessary waste in landfill, but it also helps low-income households and families. All profits raised from the Reclaim store goes back into the charity to help them create a sustainable future. Vision 21 is an independent sustainability charity focused on Gloucestershire. It is as much a social organisation as it is an environmental one, helping people to improve their quality of life as well as their living environment.
The Community RePaint scheme collects useable, leftover paint from businesses, retailers and paint manufacturers in the local area and in the past 10 years alone, the scheme has redistributed over 19,000 litres of leftover paint to local communities, saving money and brightening the lives in Cheltenham and surrounding communities.
“The aim of celebrating our birthday is not only to mark this important milestone, but also to raise awareness of the scheme locally so more people can benefit,” said Reclaim Manager Dave Twyning. “Community RePaint Cheltenham offers a simple, local solution to the problem of waste paint. By reusing leftover paint in our community, we can bring a splash of colour to the lives of those who need it the most and help to protect the planet by preventing perfectly good paint from being disposed of.”
The UK wide Community RePaint network manager, Martin Pearse, reflected “Community RePaint Cheltenham have done a fantastic job over the last 18 years. The celebrations provide a great opportunity to recognise all the hard work that has gone into making the scheme such a success and to reflect on all their achievements which has brightened community spaces and homes over the years. We are excited to continue supporting the scheme and look forward to seeing what they accomplish in years to come.”
If you are a trader, manufacturer or retailer with leftover paint you can contact the scheme to find out how they can help you. Unfortunately, they cannot accept leftover paint from householders.
If you need paint to redecorate your home, or if you are a charity or community group in need of paint for a project, get in touch with Community RePaint Cheltenham to find out more reclaim@vision21.org.uk / 01242 228 823. They are based at 25b Lansdown Industrial Estate, Off Gloucester Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8PL.
