Artist Donna Mcghie from Southampton has lent her talents to a community bakery in the city by painting a mural to thank those who donated more than £100 to its Crowdfunding appeal last year (2021).
The artwork now on the wall at CommuniBakes on St James Road in Shirley, which is the commercial arm of the good neighbours’ charity Communicare, lists the names of the Crowdfunders.
Donna, who has previously been an In Common featured artist, said: “I was thrilled to be asked to paint a mural on the wall at CommuniBakes. The design incorporated its logo along with the names of all of the people who donated to help get the business off the ground and opened.
“Usually I paint my murals freehand, however it was important to get the logo proportions exactly right, so I projected the image onto the wall and traced over it, and am very pleased with the finished result.”
The bakery (previously Love Cake) was purchased to help raise funds for Communicare in November 2021 and is a separate limited company. All profits from the bakes sold go towards the charity and the work it does to help lonely and isolated people across Southampton.
CommuniBakes’ Director, Tim Miller said: “We’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Donna for painting the mural that really brightens up the bakery and is a real talking point for our customers.
“All of the people who donated to our crowdfunding appeal are listed on the wall and they are all a very special part of the bakery.”
Communicare provides services that enrich the lives of lonely and isolated people in and around Southampton.
The charity’s Good Neighbours’ Network currently supports more than 560 individuals/families through tasks including one-to-one telephone befriending, transport for essential appointments and assistance with shopping.
Annie Clewlow, Manager at Communicare, said: “It was fantastic to receive so much support through our Crowdfunder from the residents of Southampton. Our services are a vital lifeline to lonely and isolated people in the city and having the bakery as an additional revenue stream to help us deliver these services to meet demand is wonderful.
“With each purchase at CommuniBakes loyal customers will be supporting Communicare as we help vulnerable people in Southampton. It’s a great way to give something back to the community, as well as somewhere to get some wonderful bread and cake items too.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about CommuniBakes, which is at 21, St James Road in Shirley, is invited to pop in when it’s open, visit its website communibakes.co.uk or to call 023 8070 1888.
