PPG Revitalizes U.K. Hospice in Celebration of 10 Years of COLORFUL COMMUNITIES
PPG has proudly announced the completion of a transformative project at Bury Hospice in Bury, United Kingdom, as part of the company’s 10-year celebration of its COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® program. This initiative marks not only a significant milestone for PPG but also a heartfelt demonstration of community, compassion, and the power of color to uplift healing environments.
The makeover at Bury Hospice brought together more than 100 dedicated volunteers from PPG, the Morelli Group (a key PPG partner in automotive paint and body repair), hospice staff, and members of the local community. These volunteers worked tirelessly to redecorate the entire interior of the hospice, using more than 100 gallons (approximately 380 liters) of JOHNSTONE’S TRADE™ paint, a product line under known for its quality and durability.
Among the paints used were Johnstone’s Trade Acrylic Durable Eggshell, Aqua Guard, and Microbarr Anti Bacterial Acrylic Eggshell. The latter, Microbarr, is specifically formulated to combat hospital-acquired infections, making it an excellent choice for environments like Bury Hospice, where hygiene and cleanliness are of the utmost importance. By using such specialized products, PPG ensures not only aesthetic enhancement but also functional improvement to the hospice’s infrastructure.
The color scheme, chosen from the PPG VOICE OF COLOR® palette, includes the striking Acai Berry, also known as Purple Basil (PPG1046-7), which has been named the company’s 2025 Color of the Year. This rich, vibrant hue symbolizes rejuvenation, strength, and comfort—perfectly complementing the atmosphere of care and solace that Bury Hospice aims to provide.
Stuart Richardson, the Chief Executive Officer of Bury Hospice, expressed his gratitude and emphasized the critical importance of such initiatives. “We’ve always strived to create a sense of home for our patients, and the generous support from PPG and its partners will make a significant difference in helping us achieve that,” he said. “Hospices across the U.K. face increasing financial pressures, so projects like this are essential in enabling us to continually improve our facilities. The ongoing support from organizations like PPG and the many individuals who volunteer, fundraise and give their time, is what allows us to keep moving forward.”
Beyond the painting and refurbishments, the project also included a striking mural created by local artist Pocket Wren. Her artwork, selected through a community competition, features iconic local imagery such as the Peel Tower, serving as a beacon of hope and peace. The mural incorporates forget-me-nots to evoke cherished memories and enduring love, as well as birds soaring through the sky—a nod to the hospice’s logo and a metaphor for the journey of life, freedom, and the bonds that remain unbroken despite loss.
Ruth Moring-Beale, Director of Strategy and Growth at the Morelli Group, highlighted how the project evolved far beyond its original scope. “What began as a simple request for a few cans of paint has evolved into a full-scale redecoration project,” she noted. “We’ve been truly impressed by the scale and generosity of what’s being delivered, from the provision of paint and preparation materials to expert design input, mural artwork and the dedicated hands-on support from PPG volunteers. It’s an extraordinary contribution to the hospice and the many individuals and families it serves.”
Richard Goode, PPG’s Director for the U.K. and Ireland Automotive Refinish division, also reflected on the personal importance of this initiative. “It’s a reality that many people will, at some point, rely on the vital care and support provided by a hospice,” he said. “These organizations and their dedicated teams are always in need of support, and I knew the Colorful Communities program could make a meaningful and lasting contribution. I’m incredibly proud of how quickly Morelli Group, PPG, and the local community in Bury came together to deliver such a significant transformation.”
To further its commitment to global community enhancement, PPG has announced the extension of the Colorful Communities program for an additional 10 years. This renewed investment includes an additional $10 million, bringing the total commitment to $25 million through 2035. This major financial pledge ensures the continuation of impactful projects across the globe, reaffirming PPG’s dedication to fostering vibrant, supportive, and resilient communities.
In recognition of the program’s milestone, PPG and the PPG Foundation will also be distributing a total of $1 million in celebration grants throughout 2025. These funds will be awarded to 100 previous and current Colorful Communities partners worldwide, allowing them to continue or expand the positive work they’ve already undertaken. This effort reflects PPG’s holistic approach to sustainability and corporate responsibility, encompassing not only beautification projects but also long-term support for social infrastructure.
Launched in 2015, the Colorful Communities program is PPG’s signature initiative aimed at enhancing the neighborhoods and regions in which it operates. The program mobilizes employees and partners to volunteer their time and expertise while also donating high-quality PPG paint products. To date, the program has successfully completed nearly 600 community projects, impacting the lives of more than 10.2 million people across more than 50 countries.
These projects have spanned a wide range of needs and locations—from revitalizing schools and health centers to transforming public parks and cultural institutions. The common thread throughout each initiative is a commitment to color as a catalyst for positive change, enhancing physical spaces and uplifting the people who use them.
In 2024 alone, PPG and the PPG Foundation invested more than $18.4 million globally to support charitable organizations, educational programs, and community development projects in over 30 countries. A key focus area remains education, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), where PPG seeks to cultivate the next generation of innovators, especially in fields related to coatings, manufacturing, and applied sciences.
Equally important is the empowerment of PPG employees. Through a robust volunteerism program, employees are encouraged to contribute their time and skills to causes that matter to them personally. PPG also supports charitable giving by matching donations and facilitating employee-led initiatives, thereby multiplying the impact of individual actions.
The Bury Hospice project serves as a prime example of this ethos in action—a collaboration that bridges corporate philanthropy, local artistry, expert craftsmanship, and heartfelt community spirit. It is a testament to what can be achieved when people unite around a shared purpose: to bring beauty, comfort, and dignity to those in need.
Looking ahead, PPG’s ongoing commitment to the Colorful Communities program and its broader philanthropic efforts promise continued progress, innovation, and hope. Through each brushstroke, each mural, and each renewed space, PPG reaffirms its belief that color is not merely decorative but deeply transformational.
As the world evolves, so too will the needs of communities. But with initiatives like Colorful Communities, PPG stands ready to meet those needs, bringing together its global expertise, local partnerships, and unwavering dedication to creating a brighter, more colorful world for all.
