Volunteers transformed a community centre in Stratford for Community Links, saving them around �100,000 which they can now spend directly on services for young people in the borough.

Around 150 do-gooders from the Private Equity Foundation worked from 9am to 4.30pm on Thursday October 9 at the new Chandos East Community Hub to carry out a major makeover for local residents.

The Hub, run by Barking Road charity Community Links, hosts regular drop-in sessions, activities for local groups and rooms for hire for events.

Kevin Jenkins, co-founder and senior adviser at Community Links, said: “An amazing and brilliant day, the sun shone all day and 154 volunteers from the PEF (Private Equity Foundation) worked throughout transforming the outside environment at our Chandos East Community Hub into a creative engaging and green oasis in the shadows of the Olympic Village and stadium. Everyone’s efforts saved us over �10,000 in costs and gives us a fairly inspirational long term facility for the local community for which we are truly grateful”.

Volunteers from across the private equity industry spent seven and a half hours creating a multi-sensory garden area for children with disabilities and specific needs; an outside stage for young people to put on performances with a barbeque/sitting area; a community growing area and chill out area; themed murals relevant to the community; a secret den for children; a two-storey playhouse; and bee hives including small mammal houses and nesting boxes.