Devon community group wins Community Heroes cash boost 

An organisation that supports people in poverty in Exeter and Torquay has won a community award from leading builders merchant Selco.

Punk Against Poverty CIC has secured £500 worth of building materials through its Community Heroes campaign.

The organisation provides free school uniforms to children in need and will use the materials to help fix the roof at one of its two fundraising shops in Torbay.

Stefanie Curran, who helps to run the community interest company (CIC), said: “We are absolutely delighted to have this support from Selco. Being able to obtain materials to fix the roof means more of the money we receive from donations can go to supporting local people in need.

“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.

“While we focus on breaking the poverty cycle for young people, our work also spans to the elderly, by helping them to access emergency grants. We are the go-to organisation in times of need and this funding assistance is greatly appreciated as it helps us to continue our work.”

Punk Against Poverty is one of 12 organisations that Selco is awarding £500 worth of building materials to in its six-month Community Heroes campaign.

It will now go head-to-head with the 11 other Community Heroes winners in a public vote to win £5,000 in cash, or £1,000 as runner-up.

The charity plans to visit Selco’s Exeter branch on Filmer Way, which opened in April this year, to collect all the materials it needs.

Carine Jessamine, Selco marketing director, said: “It’s great that we can support Punk Against Poverty, which is doing fantastic work in the area.

“The cost of school uniform can be a huge burden for families, particularly at the moment when budgets are so tight. This service makes a huge difference.

“We’re looking forward to working with Stefanie and her team to get the materials they need to carry out these essential repairs.”

Other Community Heroes winners so far this year include Haxby & Wigginton Youth & Community Association, The Blue Ribbon Foundation and Bury Veterans Hub.

The Community Heroes scheme is open to any charity or group at the heart of its local community. Entries can be made by explaining in no more than 100 words how they would use the building materials to benefit their cause. 

For more details, visit: https://www.selcobw.com/info/selco-community-heroes

With hundreds of trade brands always in stock, Selco’s 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 and Click & Collect services and a new app to make life as convenient as possible for tradespeople.

For more information on Selco visit www.selcobw.com