A ‘Big Hand’ for the ‘Need a Hand’ team as they donate a day’s work to charity

It was smiles all round as the ‘2010 Big Hand Day’ skilled operatives rounded off their day-long charity stint at the Orbiston Neighbourhood Centre in Bellshill.

The good-will gesture was initiated by James Gibbons shortly after setting up his Motherwell-based ‘Ultimate Handyman’ business ‘Need a Hand’ five years ago.

He said proudly: “For one day each year, we decided to switch from ‘Need a Hand’ to ‘Give a Hand’ – a ‘Big Hand’ to help a local charitable organisation.

“As a business that ‘gets’ from the community this was an opportunity to put something back into the community – and we all got great satisfaction out of it.

A Big Hand ... as Irene Gibson (centre) with her staff and volunteer helpers thank James Gibbons (fourth left) and the 'Big Hand Day' team of (from left) Kirsty Gibbons, Martin O'Rourke, Stephanie Glass and Noel O'Rourke.

“We were involved in replacing ‘Double D’ lights with strip lighting, changed a few taps and door handles and repaired the tea trolley which makes it easier for staff and volunteers to serve the senior citizens in their team room area .

“It was a great feeling working with people who, like us, know, live and serve the local community – and they appreciated what we were trying to do.”

Irene Gibson, Operations Manager at Orbiston Neighbourhood Centre said: “The various jobs they carried out during the course of the day are of enormous benefit to the Centre, and its users.

“The premises were last refurbished around 1994 and as a charity, we have limited resources to carry out this sort of repair and upgrade work. They certainly brightened up the place which is a huge benefit to our elderly members and visitors.

This is the company’s third ‘Big Hand Day’ with the previous beneficiaries Bellshill and Mossend YMCA and Motherwell Baptist Church.

The Need a Hand team can be contacted on 07780 845 178 or via the website at www.ineedahand.co.uk.