Painting event aimed to brighten spirits of Oshawa residents

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Story by Stephanie Foden, photos courtesy of Jarratt Lewis

Downtown Oshawa got a little bit brighter this week as volunteers came together for a painting event to add colour into the Rose of Durham.
The event on Aug. 30 was held as part of the Let’s Colour program, a global initiative to make a brighter and better living environment supported by Dulux Paints.
“All Dulux stores are doing this. Dulux has put a million dollars into the program, to essentially add colour to people’s lives,” said manager of Oshawa Dulux Paints, Jarratt Lewis. “A fresh coat of paint can speak wonders.”
The paint – which is being invested in neighbourhoods across Canada – is being used to beautify public structures as well as the buildings of community, charity and non-profit organizations.

In Oshawa, Dulux decided to paint the Rose of Durham to lift the spirits of the local men, women and children who use its services. Rose of Durham is not-for-profit support centre for expecting and parenting young people and their children who reside in the Durham Region. The centre offers counseling, drop-in programs, daycare, life skills and pre-natal classes as well as social club gatherings.
“They wanted something that was light and airy that would brighten up the whole working area and traveling spaces between the various rooms,” said Lewis.
Several walls in the building were painted with lively colours, such as light blue and green.
“I was quite impressed. The staff were all excited and weren’t afraid to get in there and get their hands dirty,” said Lewis. “It was a really great experience.”