Levin MenzShed spreads Christmas cheer with 150 handmade gifts

Levin MenzShed has donated 150 wooden toys to children in need this Christmas.

Levin MenzShed is sharing the festive cheer this Christmas.

Members of the charitable organisation made and gifted 150 presents to children in need.

Secretary Ron Gibbard said the initiative was a way to give back to the community.

“The men have the woodworking skills or have learned them from other shedders. Some toys are made by an individual and painted up by another. Working together with other men for a common good is a key ethos of the MenzShed.”

He said members created a large variety of things.

“There’s trucks, aeroplanes, cots with blankets and other things.”

Gibbard said Pasifika representatives Therase Apatu and Resella Fuaul helped distribute the toys.

“We don’t get to see the handover, but Therase has said it is a special time for her and her workers.”

The initiative was started seven years ago by Barry Wallace.

“He challenged other Levin Shed members to create a bank of toys to be given out at Christmas to needy children in the Horowhenua region. This kind of project, headed by Barry Wallace, keeps us grounded and is a great way for us to help make a difference in the Horowhenua. All the materials, paint and labour are donated by the shed and its members.”

The members put a lot of effort into making the toys, Gibbard said.

“Barry works three mornings a week for most of the year doing toys. Others fit it in the contribution along with community repairs and their own projects.”

He said the initiative was something shedders enjoyed getting behind.

“It has been a tough year with a lot of charity organisations folding through lack of funding. If you or I, or the MenzShed, can make a difference at Christmas, even for one child, then we should all try. It should be in our DNA.”