Aspiring Walls gift to group
It may not have themed rooms or a big budget, but Porirua’s own ‘‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’’ is making life easier for those fighting against violence.
Aspiring Walls has almost finished its first volunteer project, by giving three rooms at Living Without Violence a new look.
Aspiring Walls spokeswoman Michelle Gillard said the project was the result of a committee, called Aspiring Hope, set up after a survey revealed staff wanted to do more to help the community.
‘‘If it’s a nicer environment it makes you feel relaxed.
‘‘If it makes people smile, that’s the important thing,’’ she said.
‘‘We are really strongly focused on this community.’’
Project volunteer Warren Findlay was one of the painters working on the rooms.
‘‘Everyone likes to help out. The room was horrible in there,’’ he said.
Next year, the group hope to do up to four projects and extend to helping individuals, too.
Living Without Violence administrator Annette Kennedy said she was amazed by the spruced up rooms.
‘‘It was quite overwhelming really. It’s great for the women and men who come in and use it. It’s something special,’’ she said.