Kim helps kids in Ealing

12:25pm Thursday 3rd November 2005

FORMER pop star turned horticulturist Kim Wilde helped transform Pitshanger Community Play Centre in Ealing during Britain's largest volunteering day.

Kim was among volunteers helping to scrub, shine and buff the centre and playground as part of Make a Difference day.

Ms Wilde said: "I know how hard it is to keep children's play areas and toys clean, having two children of my own, so never mind the 300 kids that come through Pitshanger Play Centre's doors each week.

"Now, the children here will really benefit from the revamp."

The centre runs activities for more than 300 local children and families each week.

Anna Gilmour, CSV campaign co-ordinator, said: "CSV Make a Difference Day is in its tenth year and is about getting out there and actively making a difference through volunteering giving your time to provide practical assistance, rather than raising or donating money. It is wonderful to get the support to help revamp the Ealing play centre so that local children and families can benefit."

Each year 164,000 people give 4.1 million hours of their time as volunteers through CSV. The transormation was organised by Community Service Volunteers and Flash, To find out more about events and activities during the Year of the Volunteer 2005, please visit the official website at www.yearofthevolunteer.org