| 39 T T Kelly Deeks Community gets behind charitable cause Once completed, the home will go to auction, if not sold prior, with all proceeds donated to the Rescue Helicopter Endowment Trust. Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson is once again proving that community is at the heart of everything they do, as they embark on their fourth Helicopter House Build, a unique charity project that is not only transforming timber and nails into a brandnew home, but also raising vital funds for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Endowment Trust. The Helicopter House Build initiative has become a standout example of how local businesses can rally together to make a tangible difference. “We started this project eight years ago, and this will be the fourth house we’ve built right here in our car park,” says Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson CEO Brandon Beveridge. “It might be the last one we can build on-site due to new neighbours, but we’ll continue to build charity houses off-site after this.” Currently under construction just beyond the Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson Trade Department, the architecturally designed, transportable home was designed by Karsten Architecture. Contemporary in style, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is being built by JR Construct, led by James Riordan, a builder with a personal connection to the rescue helicopter service. Once completed, the home will go to auction, if not sold prior, with all proceeds donated to the Rescue Helicopter Endowment Trust, helping to secure the future of this life-saving service for generations to come. This year’s build is expected to bring the funds raised by this initiative to $1 million. The first build in 2017 raised $142,000, followed by $210,000 in 2019, and a record $253,354 in 2022. “We’ve had incredible support from our suppliers, tradies, and business partners,” Brandon says. “The more donated materials and labour we can get, the more money goes directly to the helicopter trust.” The project is a true community effort. There is a long list of local businesses that have stepped up to contribute, including Aotea Electric, Fairview Windows, Freeman Roofing, Nelson Pine Industries, Norriss Building, Tasman Bay Plumbing, and many more. Neighbouring retailers such as Bed Bath & Beyond, JB Hi-Fi, and Early Settler are also involved, helping to stage and furnish the home for the big reveal. The Helicopter House Build is just one example of Mitre 10 MEGA’S broader commitment to the community. Through their Helping Hands programme, which began in Nelson in 2006, they have completed hundreds of hands-on community projects nationwide, from playground makeovers to garden builds. What started as a local initiative has now been adopted by Mitre 10 stores across New Zealand. “This is all about building stronger communities, and we’re so proud to see how far this has grown and the real impact it’s had across the country,” Brandon says. “We have 84 stores doing projects in the community as well as the national Mitre 10 group, and they really do a whole lot of good.” Once construction is complete, the helicopter house will be marketed by The Cooper Group, with open homes held to showcase the work of the many hands that made it possible. For anyone interested in following the project or supporting the cause, Mitre 10 MEGA Nelson regularly shares updates via their MEGA Nelson Community Helping Hands Facebook page. Talk to Window Works on 03 544 6001 or stop by 11 Cargill Place, Richmond info@windowworks.co.nz www.windowworks.co.nz Renovations and new homes Competitive prices Free quotes • LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED • OBLIGATION-FREE MEASURE & QUOTE • WALL CLADDING • NEW ROOFS & RE-ROOFS • FASCIA / SPOUTING / DOWNPIPES 4A Barros Place, Richmond, Tasman P: 03 544 0458 E: admin@roofingtasman.co.nz PROUDLY SUPPORTING MITRE 10 MEGA - NELSON www.roofingtasman.co.nz 0800 800 438 enquiries@nelsonpine.co.nz
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