Charity house project gets underway in NZ Six Invercargill Rotary clubs have joined forces to raise money for the Breathing Space Southland Trust

After a long build-up, the building a Rotary Dream project is set for action.
Six Invercargill Rotary clubs have joined forces to raise money for the Breathing Space Southland Trust, by building and then auctioning off a house in the Invercargill suburb of Grasmere.
The clubs are hoping to raise at least $50,000 for the trust, which oversees a night shelter providing accommodation, food, education and counselling for the homeless.
The brainchild of Invercargill North Rotary Club (New Zeland, District 9980) member Richard Boyde-Manson, the project aims to use volunteer labour to help build the house, with the support of builder and developer Callum Rutledge.
Rotary spokesman Graeme Hegan said he was excited to see the project get under way. “We’re happy that the building work is finally getting started – we’ve been sitting in park with the handbrake on for a long time.”
Hegan said the project, which has been in the pipeline for several years, was initially going to include two houses being built at the same time.
“We’re doing it all for the first time, these projects take a lot more time than you would think.
“The plan now is to just do one at a time, doing two is too big of an ask at the moment.”
With building consents and surveying now complete, and initial materials for the project now provided, Hegan said work would begin immediately after Easter.
More material suppliers were needed to bring the project to completion though.
“I’ve been flat out talking to suppliers for products to be donated.
“This is very much a community project – the rotary clubs are just the facilitators.”
Organiser Dave McKissock said the project was also looking for more volunteers to help with labour – which would ultimately help increase the profits to be donated at the end of the process.
“If anyone wants to get involved, particularly those with building skills, we’re very keen to get them on board.”
Hegan said the first house would hopefully be completed within the next three months, and then go to auction around September.
Those interested in getting involved in the project can express their interest by going to rotarydream.nz or by phone on 021 670 121.