London’s historic youth hostel, YHA London St Pauls, has benefitted from a £20,000 makeover thanks to the Mace Foundation, the charitable arm of the international consultancy and construction company, Mace.
The 200-year-old Youth Hostel, is owned and run by the leading youth charity YHA (England and Wales). During the week-long corporate volunteering event, the 70-strong team of Mace volunteers redecorated six of the Youth Hostel’s bedrooms, the reception and main staircase.
The Grade 2 listed building, which once housed St Paul’s Choir School, today has 213 beds providing accommodation for young people and their families who visit the capital. YHA London St Pauls is one of YHA’s most popular Youth Hostels, boasting near 100% occupancy every night.
YHA St Pauls – Mace volunteers
With an estimated 150 suitcases dragged up the Youth Hostel’s historic spiral staircase every day, they were in dire need of refurbishment. Now, thanks to Mace, the Youth Hostel boasts new carpet and fresh paint in both the reception area and staircase of the three-storey building.
As well as supplying more than 500 hours, Mace also supplied all equipment and materials, including paint and carpets, which were donated by Mace’s supply chain partners Lucas Group and Rees Flooring.
The week-long project was selected by Mace as part of its commitment, through the Mace Foundation, to support local people, and make a real and sustainable difference. Each year Mace gives 1% of its pre-tax profits to communities and employees are encouraged to take a volunteer day each year.
Speaking during the makeover project, Nick Thurtle Project Manager at Mace who oversaw the week-long transformation, said: “Everyone involved was very keen to volunteer their time. It’s been an opportunity to develop our teamwork skills as well as put something back into the local community.”
James Blake, Chief Executive of YHA (England and Wales) said: “We are extremely grateful to the Mace Foundation and volunteers from Mace who have undertaken the transformation at YHA St Pauls. The work has made a huge difference to the Youth Hostel, the effects of which will be far reaching beyond the redecoration.
“The time and materials Mace people and their supply chain partners have donated will enable us to reallocate YHA funds so that we can help more disadvantaged young people and their families in England and Wales.”
Earlier this year YHA (England & Wales) was announced as one of the charity partners of Mace Foundation. Established in 2012, the Mace Foundation has donated more than £1.8m to over 200 charities and worthy causes since it was set up.
Corporate partnerships play an important role in YHA’s charitable mission. As a charity YHA relies on their partners and donors to support the network and enable it to continue to inspire and reach a million young people every year.
The 87-year old youth charity is appealing to companies to get involved with its network, which boasts 160 properties throughout England and Wales.
Companies that are interested in working with YHA to give their time, skills or expertise, can get in touch with YHA’s Communities Team on 01629 592723 or email partnerships@yha.org.uk
