Industry members unite for worthy cause

Charity Build raises almost $130,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation.

PlaceMakers Hutt City joined forces with the Certified Builders Association of New Zealand (CBANZ) and Professionals (Hutt City Limited) to raise almost $130,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation by building and auctioning off a three-bedroom house in just four weeks!

“It was quite an undertaking, especially since it was built right in front of our store!” says Hutt City branch operator Simon Barber. “But it was definitely worthwhile.”

More than 70 Certified Builders from throughout the Wellington region racked up more than 700 volunteer hours between them, and PlaceMakers provided the site and organised the donation of most of the building materials.

“It’s great to have so many experienced Certified Builders from throughout the Wellington region combining their knowledge, expertise and generosity of time for such a worthwhile cause,” says Certified Builders Wellington’s regional president Nick Jones, who is a builder based in Lower Hutt.

“The support from industry partners, in terms of the building materials they’ve supplied and the location to carry out the build, is fantastic.” Simon says his whole team was happy to be part of such a well-meaning project.

“We were proud to play such a major role in the Charity Build,” she says.

More than 100 people turned up on 30 November, where Professionals (Hutt City Limited) conducted a no reserve auction for the fully carpeted, plumbed, kitchen and bathroom-ready home. The winning bid of $155,000 was more than anticipated, and about $130,000 will go directly to the Child Cancer Foundation.