An army of volunteers is set to take up tools for good causes in the city.
Community centres in Edinburgh will be transformed on Wednesday thanks to a collaboration between Fringe comedians and a local brewery.
Dubbed Brewing Good Laughs, the initiative is calling for an army of volunteers to take up paintbrushes, gardening gloves or sewing needles for the benefit of good causes.
In exchange, they will be treated to free shows from acts fresh from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Venues set to benefit include the Broomhouse Centre, a charity that provides personal, social and community development opportunities for disadvantaged groups, a local food bank, a community garden and a church.
It’s going to be hard work, but we know that when people pull together, spectacular things can be achieved
Bridie Ashrowan, chief executive of the Broomhouse Centre, said: “We have over 500 people who use our centre and services on a regular basis.
“It’s a lifeline for them – we’ve seen people develop, make friends, and their lives enriched, and seen this community develop. But it all costs money, and we rely on volunteering, grants, donations and help from local people.
“We really hope that this day of huge focus on the community’s facilities will transform them. It’s going to be hard work, but we know that when people pull together, spectacular things can be achieved.”
The project is being run by a partnership between the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and the Caledonian Brewery.
Andy Maddock, Caledonian managing director, said members of the brewery staff would be taking part in the day of action to “give something back to the community”.
He added: “Whatever your skills, we hope you can spare some time and volunteer and be rewarded with performances from the Fringe.
“It’s really important to us that we act as a good neighbour – and with this project, we are creating events that involve the community, benefits much-needed local facilities, and culminates in a fantastic exclusive show.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can sign up at the Neighbourly website.
