Wishlist event raises funds for families in need
September 14, 2015
Cr Christian Dickson will join representatives from Wishlist and the Nambour Hospital at the Flame Tree Pocket development in Sippy Downs on Tuesday, 15 September to officially turn the sod at The House the Coast Built, an initiative that will see businesses from across the Sunshine Coast band together to build and auction off a new home, raising funds for local children in need.
Wishlist CEO Lisa Rowe said with more than 50 local businesses having rallied to donate labour, land, money and materials to assist sick Sunshine Coast children and those struggling to cope with the illness of a family member, the sod turning marked an important milestone for the project.
“Since launching The House the Coast Built just a few weeks ago, we’ve had an overwhelming response from Sunshine Coast businesses that are keen to support the initiative and give something back to the local community,” Ms Rowe said.
“It’s really exciting to see the project kicking off and we expect the house will be complete and ready for auction by February 2016.”
Led by Ausmar Homes, the team of contractors will construct a four-bedroom home incorporating an outdoor patio, ensuite and two-car garage.
Ausmar Homes Business Development Manager Josh Green said surveyors were set commence work on-site this week and he was looking forward to seeing the slab laid and the frame erected over the coming weeks.
“Throughout the construction period, we expect more than 100 workers from approximately 22 trades will contribute their time and resources to the project,” Mr Green said.
“Everything from the timber, tiles and windows, right through to the plastering and landscaping services will be donated by local businesses. It’s really humbling to live in a community where so many people are willing to pitch into help out those in need.”
Ms Rowe said funds raised from the sale of the house would be directed towards a range of paediatric initiatives including Nambour Hospital’s Diversional Therapy Program and SCKoping getaway camps.
“The Diversional Therapy Program has been running for a number of years now and provides children staying in the paediatric ward with access to therapists who use yoga and music, as well as interaction with animals and structured play sessions to help reduce stress, anxiety and insomnia,” Ms Rowe said.
“This not only helps to take patients’ minds off their condition, but also provides parents with the opportunity to take a moment to catch their breath and recharge while their child is being entertained.”
“The SCKoping getaway camps also support local families, providing a respite for kids aged between nine and 18 who have a family member battling mental illness or substance addiction.”
“Both of these initiatives are very worthy causes and we hope to raise $300,000 through The House the Coast Built”.
As part of the project, Wishlist is hoping to partner with a local company that may be able to donate branded hats, shirts and other merchandise to assist in raising the profile of the initiative.
To find out more about Wishlist and The House the Coast Built or to get involved, please call (07) 5470 6598 or visit www.wishlist.org.au.
Fast facts
- More than 50 businesses will donate labour, land, money and materials to the project
- The 2015 fundraising target for The House the Coast Built is $300,000
- Wishlist has previously raised more than $700,000 for local health services through similar initiatives
- Construction is expected to take approximately 16 weeks
- More than 100 construction workers are expected to work on the project
- The house will be auctioned by Dan Sowden from Ray White Maroochydore in early 2016
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