Devon Punks secure cash prize
A Devon community group has won £1,000 to improve its facilities after coming runner-up in a national competition.
Torbay-based Punk Against Poverty finished second in Selco Builders Warehouse’s Community Heroes contest.
The Community Interest Company provides support to families in Exeter and Torquay, including supplying free school uniforms to children in need.
It was one of 12 good causes shortlisted by the leading builders merchants in the competition, with the general public selecting the winner in a month-long vote throughout February.
Punk Against Poverty secured 12% of the 10,000-plus votes cast.
North Bristol RFC, meanwhile, won the £5,000 top prize having achieved a third of the vote.
Stefanie Curran, who helps to run Punk Against Poverty, said the money would be used on much-needed repairs at the group’s base.
She said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have come second in Selco’s Community Heroes competition.
“There is high demand for our free school uniform bank, which is helping to relieve the financial burden on families and enables children to focus on their education.
“Unfortunately our uniform bank needs significant repairs so that we can keep going. This money will help us with that work.
“The Community Heroes competition has been very exciting to be involved in. It’s fantastic that Selco is getting involved with charities and community groups right across the country.”
Selco has a branch on Filmer Way in Exeter.
Each of the 12 Community Heroes finalists had already won £500 worth of building materials from Selco before voting began.
Carine Jessamine, marketing director at Selco, said: “A huge congratulations to Punk Against Poverty for finishing second in our Community Heroes competition and to North Bristol RFC for winning the top prize.
“Punk Against Poverty is providing an invaluable service at a time when many families are struggling. The £1,000 will make a big difference to their Torbay building.
“This year’s Community Heroes competition was extremely successful with more than 2,000 entries and 10,000 votes. Thank you to everyone who took part. It’s a great privilege to be able to support good causes in the areas in which we operate.”
The 12 finalists were: Bury Veterans Hub, 13th Warrington East Scout Group, Coventry Foodbank, Downham Men's Group, Educ8 / S.T.A.R.S, Haxby & Wigginton Youth & Community Association, North Bristol RFC, Punk Against Poverty CIC, Sirhowy Valley Hub, St John Ambulance Cymru, Up The Garden Bath CIC and Watford Mencap.
With hundreds of trade brands always in stock, Selco’s 74 UK branches are firmly focused on helping tradespeople complete their jobs as quickly and effectively as possible.
As well as offering trade services, Selco also has a strong digital presence including Click & Deliver, a Click & Collect service and a new website.
For more information on Selco visit www.selcobw.com
