STAFF at a North Yorkshire car dealership are proving they are the ‘wheel deal’ by helping a charity transform its Harrogate offices.
A team from Harrogate Audi at St James’ Business Park in Knaresborough will be swopping two strokes for brush strokes as they don overalls and carry out their own version of ‘Changing Rooms’ in aid of the Carers’ Resource.
Brush with fame ….(from left) Heather Smith with Harrogate Audi’s Dean Farooq and Briget Granger
Employees from across the dealership – sales, parts, service, bodyshop and admin – will be taking part in the challenge to give the charity’s Victorian base on North Park Road, Harrogate, a much-needed facelift.
Walls will be painted, worn carpets will be replaced, and new office furniture – including a flat-screen TV for its training room – moved in as part of the Spring clean with a difference that will transform the rooms it uses for its carers..
And this week they sent out an appeal to other like-minded companies across Harrogate and Knaresborough to support the initiative by donating any spare or unwanted goods that will boost their efforts.
Harrogate companies KD Carpets and Focus DIY have already answered the SOS for help, as too have colleagues from the Audi dealership in Leeds. But there is a need for more.
Briget Granger, part of the reception team at Harrogate Audi, is coordinating the challenge. She said: “The charity has been at the heart of the local community for 15 years, offering invaluable help and advice to more than 15,000 carers.
“We wanted to give something back to the charity and decided that one of the best ways we could help was drawing upon the hidden skills of our staff to revamp its base and give it a new lease of life.
“This will enable the charity to ensure that every Pound of income it receives goes as far as possible – directly helping those people with most need in our community.
“Any help that other local businesses or individuals can offer – whether it be goods or services, or in giving up part of their weekend to join in the project – would be gratefully received. A professional decorator would be a particular asset in finishing off the more intricate areas such as skirting boards!”
Heather Smith, the charity’s head of administration and facilities, said: “This is a tremendous offer from Harrogate Audi which will make a lasting difference.
“We hope that it will mark the start of a new era for the charity and its Harrogate base, which is an important focal point, and an increasingly busy centre, for carers young and old throughout the year.”
Anyone who is able to support the challenge should contact the Reception team at Harrogate Audi on 01423 869700 or email reception. audi.harrogate@sytner.co.uk
