Dulux Decorator Centres, the UK’s leading decorating specialist, has partnered with charitable organisation, Waste To Wonder and donated redundant IT and electrical equipment from its entire portfolio of stores, to support the build of a brand new Education and Aviation Academy, on the hurricane-hit island of Saint Lucia. Waste To Wonder provides a disposal solution for all redundant office assets in a socially responsible way, ensuring none of this equipment goes to landfill. Collected assets are instead re-used as part of Waste To Wonder’s Big Bright Future programme, which supports UK and International charities. Saint Lucia’s economy was severely disrupted as one of the worst affected areas in Hurricane Tomas’ path in 2010, a storm which caused losses and damages totalling over £200 million. Dulux Decorator Centre’s donation will significantly help Waste To Wonder, which is currently working alongside the island’s Government, to provide parts of the IT infrastructure at the Academy. The Academy has been designed to help the economy move forward by training a new generation of pilots, aviation engineers and aviation technology professionals in order to increase and exploit trade opportunities with other countries. It will also act as an education hub for all of the island to use, with an extensive library, teaching rooms and IT suites, helping to increase the employability of its visitors as well as forging links with international universities. Emily Verheijen, head of communications at Waste To Wonder, said: “As an isolated country, Saint Lucia has suffered greatly as a result of the hurricane. “The Aviation Academy is just one way in which we can help get the country back on its feet as it will help to increase international trade links, develop international aviation links, increase employment and education opportunities and therefore play a part in reinvigorating the economy. “This is being made possible due to the kind support from Dulux Decorator Centres. Commercial waste can be used for so many good causes, so it’s great to have a high profile company such as Dulux Decorator Centres on board.” Beverley Whitehead, marketing and communications manager at Dulux Decorator Centres, said: “As an organisation we are committed to eliminating all waste and emissions from our own operations. “Waste To Wonder’s ability to breathe new life into the company’s old equipment to benefit another country, while saving it from an unnecessary trip to the landfill, meant we had no hesitation in donating. “We sincerely hope that the development of the Aviation Academy goes well and we will continue to support Waste To Wonder’s operation and variety of projects.” To find out more about Dulux Decorator Centres visit www.duluxdecoratorcentre.co.uk, follow us on Twitter @DuluxDecCentre or on Facebook www.facebook.com/DuluxDecoratorCentres.
