Add your colourful strokes to Chewstick campaign

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Chewstick kicks off a $30,000 fundraising drive tomorrow inviting the community to help paint a mural at their headquarters in Hamilton.

“You don’t have to be artistic to participate,” said the charity’s executive director Gavin Smith. “Anyone can happen by and pick up a brush and start painting. There will be plenty of artists on hand (to give direction). Teamwork is the best strategy. We are keeping the design somewhat simple. We are not asking for Leonardo da Vinci.”

Although it is not mandatory, they are asking that people who come by on the day to make a donation to show their support for Chewstick.

“With the economy as it is I think everyone has been having a hard time,” said Mr Smith. “Chewstick’s challenge has been along the lines of rigorously letting people know that we need support to keep going. There are different ways people can support us. Part of this whole campaign will be introducing that into the public arena, and showing how people can support us, and how we can support the community. We will be holding our annual tag day appeal [Friday, December 7]. We need $30,000 for operation expenses. Saturday will be the kick-off to galvanise awareness and the community spirit.”

He said Rowe Spurling Paint has donated paint and supplies.

“We are blessed to have them as sponsors,” said Mr Smith. “Our mural project is to demonstrate the power and impact of this type of creativity and positivity in the community so we can expand the programme Islandwide. We want to make sure this event is a real smash so people can get the understanding of how art can change lives. We think the whole community around us on Elliott Street is vibrating in a much more positive way and Chewstick has something to do with that.”

The charity is in need of brushes, ladders and scaffolding for Saturday. An open house is planned for the day to give residents a better idea what the charity does. You have to paint to take the tour.

The event runs from 11am to 5pm at 28 Elliott Street in Hamilton. For more information telephone 292-2439 or e-mail info@chewstick.org .

Useful website: www.chewstick.org.

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