MAVIS Wheeler said she is very thankful for the makeover her home is soon to receive.
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Berger’s Paint for a Mate project is applying fresh coats of colour to 40 homes around Australia as part of the company’s support of Legacy.
Each of the homes to be painted is that of a war widow looked after by local branches of Legacy.
Ms Wheeler has lived in her Bega home along with her son John since 1998.
Ms Wheeler lost her husband Leslie “as a result of his army service” and since moving to Bega from Queensland has had regular visits from Legacy’s Peter Florance.
She said Legacy’s support and advice was a comfort at times – but there was one phone call that would prove more surprising than most.
“We had quotes on painting the house and one was half the price of two others,” Ms Wheeler said.
“I rang Peter to ask his advice thinking this doesn’t seem right.
“He said ‘well it just so happens…’,” she said with a chuckle.
Ms Wheeler said she and John were preparing themselves for an influx of visitors carrying paintbrushes.
“And apparently they are setting up a barbecue in the back yard.
“My gardener Paul Barnes also deserves a mention.
“He has come in to do some pruning and cleared a space right around the walls so they can paint without walking over plants.
“I don’t think I would have been able to afford the work they are going to be doing.
“It’s going to be a champagne paint job!”
Many hands make light work
DURING November last year, Berger donated $2 from the sale of every can of its paint to Legacy, but also wanted to take the support a step further.
Paint for a Mate aims to paint 40 homes of Legacy widows around Australia.
Berger contacted its stockists to find out which of them would be up for the task and then found worthy recipients of the work through local RSL sub-branches.
Berger is providing all the paint and materials for Mrs Wheeler’s home via Bega’s Inspirations Paint.
Inspirations Bega store owner John Watkin said it was a great community project.
“At this stage we have three different paint firms volunteering their time as well as reps from Berger and Inspirations head office,” he said.
“We are also calling for volunteers from the community to give us a hand under the direction of professional painters.
“Many hands make light work.
And if they don’t necessarily want to paint there are other things they can do.
“The RSL is organising the barbecue so making a slice or brewing the kettle would be very much appreciated – the guys might even get some work done in between!”
Anyone wishing to lend a hand can drop into Inspirations Paint on Carp St or call John Watkin at the Bega store on 6492 3162.