The DIY SOS Big Build has seen 200 volunteers and a team from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) helping to create a £1 million home for the Getaway Girls - a charity that empowers young girls and women by building their confidence and supporting each other.
Yesterday morning (Monday 26 September), BBC presenters Zoe Ball and Scott Mills were at the site live on Radio 2, where they spoke with volunteers, organisers, and firefighters. They were also filming the ‘big reveal’ part of the hit BBC TV show, which is due to air in a few weeks’ time.
Zoe Ball said people had been working through the night and in all weathers to get the project finished on time. She said: “I can’t even tell you how huge this site is, it’s quite incredible the amount of people that have been working nonstop over the last 14 days.
“The camaraderie between the team and everyone, having to work on top of each other in an impossible situation. It’s all for an incredible cause, as this building is becoming the base of the Getaway Girls, a fabulous charity helping so many young women in Leeds. They help to raise aspirations, provide much needed support and create opportunities to build a better future.”
Creating the building has been one of the biggest challenges for DIY SOS and it’s estimated the costs involved equals £1 million. The new building includes counselling rooms, a garden, offices, activity spaces, a creche, and a music and media studio. Firefighters have rolled their sleeves up to join in with the volunteers, as well as making sure the building is safe and has the correct certification.