A Leeds charity today sent out a financial SOS and appealed for donations to save it from ruin.
Swarthmore Education Centre has been severely water damaged as a result of a leaking roof, threatening the future of the 103-year-old institution.
The grade 2 listed building now needs to raise £150,000 to pay for repairs.
Maggi Butterworth, director of the centre, said: “The roof is leaking in many places and we can’t afford to keep patching it up so we are biting the bullet and replacing it.
“Students have had to be moved to cramped rooms and have lost time during the year on their studies.
“We and our predecessors have seen thousands of learners pass through the doors of Swarthmore and in many cases it really does change lives.
“The centre is essential.
“There’s nowhere else like Swarthmore in Leeds.”
Swarthmore sees over 2,000 students enrol each year, specialising in those who do not feel comfortable in mainstream education.
In 2010, Swarthmore student Sayra Wigglesworth won the prestigious Adult Learner of the Year award for Yorkshire and Humberside.
Sayra left school at 14 with no qualifications, but is now a qualified counsellor.
Ms Butterworth added: “We are committed to continuing our exceptional work and helping people such as Sayra turn their lives around.
“This is why we are appealing to the local business community and the public for donations and support towards our Raise the Roof campaign.
“The roof will be costing over £200,000 now.
“We have had some really nice donations from students and staff here, but we are still some way short.”
On July 13, Swarthmore will launch the “Tag a Tile” event to help raise funds for the repairs.
Those who donate to the roof fund will be able to leave a message on the back of one of the tiles used to repair the roof.
If you’d like to support the centre you can write to: Swarthmore Education Centre, 2-7 Woodhouse Square, Woodhouse, Leeds, LS3 1AD.
Alternatively you can call 0113 243 2210.
Or visit: www.swarthmore.org.uk
Comments