Charity House Goes Under the Hammer!

Rotary Rotorua Sunrise’s project the Waiariki Charity House has completed its first year after selling at auction. Rotorua accountant Steven Slack the successful bidder getting the bargain of a lifetime- the four-bedroom, two-bathroom transportable house sold for $143,000.

About 100 people turned up at Rotorua PlaceMakers for the December 1^st auction, many of them being partners in the project, students and staff of Waiariki Institute of Technology, Rotarians and even the new Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick.

Professionals McDowell Real Estate had several interested parties in the crowd, however when push came to shove, Mr Slack's only competition was a phone bidder from Kaukapakapa.

Steven and his wife now have the dilemma of trying to find a place to put the new home. “I hadn’t really thought that far ahead, but we’ve been looking at some sections,” he said.

Through the project, Rotary Rotorua Sunrise members have been able to build a relationship with young people enrolled on the pre-trade carpentry course and the community. “The project has been really positive. It has been a great way to engage with the young people and the hands on learning for them is great, plus we have been able to discuss many of the youth leadership opportunities available to them through Rotary” says Rotary Rotorua Sunrise President Sue Gunn.

Students that attended the auction were very happy to see the house sold. They had put their heart and soul into it, and had learnt so much in the year of their pre-trade carpentry course. The best news for the students is most having jobs or have been offered apprenticeships in 2014.

The project is collaboration between Waiariki, Rotary Rotorua Sunrise Charitable Trust, Rotorua Chamber of Commerce, Rotorua District Council and the business community. Many Rotarians are partners in the Charity House Project.

Sue Gunn says, “It has been a real joint venture with Waiariki, local businesses and the community. It creates strong linkages and stronger foundations for Rotary.”

Proceeds from the sale go to Rotary Rotorua Sunrise Charitable Trust for distribution in the community. This year that total will be about $5,000 once costs were taken out.

This project is a five year commitment, building one house each year. Community groups wishing to apply for funding should visit the Rotary Rotorua Sunrise website www.rotaryrotoruasunrise.co.nz.