College’s DIY team comes to rescue of charity coffee shop
STAFF at a college took part in a DIY Sos-style project to restore a hospice charity coffee shop.
Hopwood Hall College, sent a 15-strong team of volunteers to restore Springhill Hospice’s Craven coffee shop.
The Craven establishmenton Broad Lane in Rochdale was previously being used as a coffee shop before closing in 2020, but has now been given a new lease of life thanks to the team’s handiwork.
Tasks included removing the fixed seating, putting up new shelves and adding storage solutions.
The college had also been collecting money for the hospice before fixing up the Craven and last month presented the hospice with a cheque for £3,487.59.
This was made up of donations from a number of fundraising activities held throughout the year, including a bake sale and a day where all staff and students wore green.
Julia Heap, principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College and University Centre, who led the team, said: “Our team was so proud to end the academic year by restoring the Craven.
“Springhill Hospice does so much for the community and it was truly an honour for us all to be able to lend our services in this way. Both students and staff have found this year’s fundraising activities to be both fun and very rewarding - and we’re glad that the money is going to such a worthwhile cause.”
Tutors who teach qualifications in fields such as painting, decorating and carpentry to both school leavers and adults were on hand to offer their expert skills to the project.
Samantha Wells, Chief Executive of Springhill Hospice, said: “A huge thank you to the brilliant team at Hopwood Hall for their support with the refurb of The Craven.
“Their time and dedication to this project has meant that we can push on with the reopening of The Craven and not to mention the financial savings this has meant too.
“Thank you also to the suppliers who have contributed towards this project, we are always overwhelmed at the generosity of our business community.”