Is there someone you know who could use help with their decor? Perhaps a senior whose home could use fresh paint or new slipcovers for their furniture? Perhaps there is a community non-profit organization that needs a facelift. We can all use help now and then, and it's a good feeling to give back.
Mother's Day is perfect for giving mom a room makeover. Draft up a nice gift certificate promising you'll help her decorate one room in her home. Spend time planning the decor updates with mom. (Surprise makeovers are iffy if you don't know her style or budget.) Have a painting party with friends and family to get that task out of the way. Then have some fun shopping together for furniture and accessories and help mom pull it all together. The time you spend together will be the best gift of all.
If not mom, perhaps you know someone who is recovering from a major illness who could use a lift. Even if it's just to update a few accessories and add a few new throw pillows to the decor, your actions may brighten the person's surrounding and their outlook.
A shut-in or elderly person living alone could definitely benefit from a decor lift and a little company. If you have the time, offer your services to a seniors group or association who can lead you to someone in need of an act of kindness. It doesn't have to involve a total room makeover. Sometimes just rearranging the furniture may be enough to brighten someone's life a little.
Corporations give back, too
If you don't have the time to donate, you can nominate a neighbourhood space in need of a colour infusion.
In celebration of its 250th store opening in Canada, Dulux Paints is infusing Canadian communities with colour. If you know of a non-profit organization with space that could use a lift, Dulux is looking for your suggestions.
This year, Dulux Paints stores nationwide are donating paint and volunteers to help beautify 25 buildings from coast to coast, with the aim of making a positive impact on the people who pass through the organization's doors.
"Our plan is ultimately to impact every community where we have a presence across the country through an infusion of colour," said Martin Tustin-Fuchs, brand manager for Dulux Paints, explaining that giving back is core of the brand's philosophy and the neighbourhood focus of each Dulux Paints store.
"We're encouraging the public to nominate buildings of charities, non-profit organizations or other community groups in need of renewal anywhere in Canada, and from those we're aiming to transform the 25 in greatest need."
Through its community campaign, hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of paint and resources provided by local Dulux Paints stores have been applied to community spaces across the country since 2011. Dulux also supplies paint for all projects of Habitat for Humanity Canada, a national non-profit organization that provides affordable housing.
Giving back at the local level is just one way we can all succeed in making a colourful difference in our communities, one brush stroke at a time.
To suggest a building of a community, charity or non-profit organization in need of a colourful refresh, visitcolourfulcommunities.ca.
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