Business community joins forces to give YMCA kitchen a makeover

Business owner Clare Whalley rallied her contacts to donate their time and resources to give YMCA Sutton Coldfield's residents’ kitchen a makeover.  

The kitchen make over came just in time for the YMCA's 180th birthday celebrations.

Clare, who owns coaching business Meta4 Coaching, has been a YMCA ambassador for a number of years also raised £500 for the charity by completing the Royal Sutton Fun Run with her nine-year-old son.

She was joined for the kitchen reonvation project by Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber members including president Naeem Arif from United Carpets, vice-president Kate Curry from CUDOS Creative, social media consultant Fritha Stutthard, Katie Hale from Halestorm Marketing and photographer Kate Hollingsworth.

Clare’s team cleaned, painted and carpeted the facility, as well as installing wall decorations to update the community kitchen.

Rachel Dutta-Choudhury, YMCA Sutton Coldfield's bid writer, fundraising and development manager, said: "Our resident’s kitchen was in drastic need of a refresh. Local business owner, Clare Whalley, brought together a team of volunteers to give it a makeover.

"Clare even managed to get a carpet donated! It’s made such a difference. The kitchen now feels homely and fresh and the residents are really enjoying cooking and socialising in there.

"Clare also did us the honour of formally opening the kitchen in a ribbon cutting ceremony at our Founders Day celebration.”

The YMCA provides essential accommodation for young people, helping them build independence, self-esteem and self-sufficiency which promotes positive and emotional wellbeing.

Pictured: From left - Kate Curry, Clare Whalley, Fritha Stuttard and Katie Hale