Project is a ground force for spirit of human kindness

In the last two weeks, the nastier side of life has surfaced in this country and it is not something I personally recognise as the true picture of the nation I am proud to live in.

But today I am happy to report on something that has shown the true spirit of human kindness still very much exists in East London. Something which I hope brings a little of the Great back into Britain, writes Colin Grainger.

It involves a charity that has been a part of my life for nearly 40 years, a facility that has done so much to help young people overcome their new problems, a facilities management and building maintenance provider, a college and its students and companies who are proud to work for the greater good, proud to put something back into the community they serve.

In just five days, these special people transformed Arc In The Park in Canning Town in such a way that it will help future generations.

The fine upright and outstanding citizens of East London showed what can be done when we all work together. All of us, all colours, creeds and backgrounds.

The students from Barking and Dagenham College are all from Newham as are many of the workers. Some of them, as they will tell you in the film, were actually helped by Community Links when they were youngsters

Here on my website, I show some stills from the sort film made to show exactly what happened.

It this does not bring a lump to your throat and feel proud then I’m sorry.

But it certainly does to me.

A similar message to this can be seen on the Arc in The Park Facebook page.

Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/arcinthepark/

The full video can be seen here :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUhEOfPG0gw

There are special messages from two special people. Josephine O’Connor, Business and Community Investment Manager for Vinci, and Kevin Jenkins, Life President of Community Links.

If you want to know what all this means, just listen to what they have to say.

As part of their Social Value commitment, Vinci Facilities worked with Links to engage them in working on a restoration project, at Arc in the Park in Hermit Road, Canning Town.

Vinci, Barking and Dagenham College and all those involved in this restoration of The Arc has brought real lasting social value. It’s time for these people to stick out their chests and be proud.

There are full credits at the end of the short film.

But thanks go to AKW, Crown Flooring, PW Building Services, GBN Services, AkzoNobel, Dulux, KND Construction, 1^st Environmental Services, John Plank Ltd architectural hardware, A Plant, Scaffolding Access Ltd, 3D Specialist Joinery Ltd, Fire and Safety Solutions, Broadway Decoration, Newham Play Association and Inveigle Productions for this brilliant film. Filmed and edited by Gary Dudman, Jamie Elliot and Louise Levitt.

Pictures: Colin Grainger/Kevin Jenkins