BBQ adds $1200 to cause

Racheal Swannell, 8-year-old daughter of Kiri and Kevin Swannell, at Saturday's sausage sizzle. Photo / Paul Taylor

Kiri and Kevin Swannell are "rather exhausted" after another busy weekend.

The Swannells staged a sausage sizzle on Saturday outside the Hastings Warehouse as part of their push to get a Hawke's Bay emergency shelter for the homeless up and operating.

Their aim is to turn the donated former Property Brokers office building in Hastings in to accommodation.

Hawke's Bay Today has launched a campaign, Limitless Hope Emergency Shelter Appeal, to get everything needed to make this happen. Many local businesses and community leaders have pledged their support already.

The aim of the initiative is not to "house the homeless" but to act as "prevention and intervention", Mrs Swannell said.

Mrs Swannell said the day went "pretty awesome".

"We raised $1200 which, for a barbecue, was pretty good.

"The Warehouse were brilliant and promoted us over the loudspeaker," she said.

There was also an apple bin where shoppers donated goods.

"It was filled up with blankets, clothes and socks," Mrs Swannell said.

Not even the poor weather could dampen the spirit of generosity.

"Just like when we run the soup kitchen, we are there rain, hail or shine."

A fundraiser for the appeal has been confirmed at the Thirsty Whale on July 8. The night sold out last Friday with 65 $50 tickets snapped up.

Half of the proceeds will go towards the Emergency Shelter Appeal.

The team is hoping for as many businesses as possible to jump on board and provide goods and services for the evening.

There will be vouchers, cellphones and artwork auctioned off to raise funds for the project.

The project has currently raised $37,000, over a third of the amount required to move the donated two-storey shelter to a new site.

The team have 25 days to raise the $100,000 or risk losing all donations to date.

Mrs Swannell said she has been overwhelmed by the support shown but admits she was "a bit nervous" with the deadline fast approaching.