05.31.19
PPG recently completed its first COLORFUL COMMUNITIES project in Algeria that helped revitalize the SOS Femmes en Détresse (Women in Distress) women’s shelter in Algiers.
The project brought together more than 20 PPG volunteers, who spent 10 days beautifying the facility’s exterior. Each year, the shelter provides a safe haven for more than 200 women and their children who are going through difficult life transitions due to homelessness and domestic abuse.
PPG provided nearly 325 liters (85 gallons) of SEIGNEURIE paint products and 10 beds with mattresses to help the shelter accommodate more women in need.
The Colorful Communities program provides PPG volunteers and products along with financial contributions to bring color and vitality to communities where the company operates around the world, such as in Algiers, where PPG has administrative offices.
SOS Femmes en Détresse helps the women in its care rebuild their lives so they can transition to full independence. Nassiba Hebbache, PPG marketing manager, Algeria, discovered the shelter in 2017 when she helped train its residents on how to create a vegetable garden as part of her volunteer work with another nonprofit organization.
“At first sight, I knew that we could bring some joy and happiness to everyone in this rather gloomy shelter with PPG’s soothing colors,” said Hebbache. “As soon as we had the opportunity to organize a Colorful Communities project in Algeria, we chose to refresh the SOS Femmes en Détresse shelter.”
The PPG volunteers painted the facility’s exterior walls in a color palette that included violet, rose, green and blue hues. These colors were chosen in coordination with the shelter’s director to create a calm and soothing space that promotes healing.
“I am feeling like I am in another place,” said Meriem Belaala, director, SOS Femme en Détresse. “Color really is therapeutic, with some of our residents saying the shelter’s new colors calm their minds. Many thanks to the PPG volunteers, whose actions will bring peace and happiness to all the women and children who will stay here.”
“I would like to thank the PPG volunteers for their commitment to making a difference in the daily lives of women and children facing temporary difficulties,” said Jean François Lemaire, PPG country general manager, Algeria. “The before and after is amazing.”
