The Toi Ohomai Charity House has sold and now the $30,000 profit will be injected into the Rotorua Community. Photo / Supplied
The Toi Ohomai Charity House has sold and now the $30,000 profit will be injected into the Rotorua Community. Photo / Supplied
Thirty thousand dollars will be injected into the Rotorua community following the sale of the Toi Ohomai Charity House.
The Charity House project, which has been running since 2013, sees Toi Ohomai carpentry students build a home with support from industry partners.
Professionals McDowell Real Estate has been on board since the project's inception, using their expertise to market and sell the property, and the money raised is given to Rotary Rotorua Sunrise Charitable Trust to distribute throughout the community.
The latest house has recently sold, with a profit of $30,000 available for various community organisations.
The main living area inside the charity house. Photo / Supplied
As part of the Charity House Project, Toi Ohomai partners with a large group of industry experts as well as Rotary Rotorua Sunrise. The project not only helps students gain hands-on experience but contributes to the community.
The project also meets one of Rotary's key areas of focus to enhance humanitarian service by participating in a local service project related to economic and community development.
Toi Ohomai primary industries, trades and infrastructure faculty dean Brian Dillon said it was great being in a long-term partnership with Rotary for the Charity House project.
"While the house itself is an outcome of the carpentry programme, it's much more than just a house, and the students are part of that from the start.
"They get a real sense of purpose from being involved in the build, and get to appreciate the entire build process. While many of these students will go on to gain apprenticeships and become trade qualified, they also remain part of the wider community who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the distribution of funds."
The Toi Ohomai charity house master bedroom. Photo / Supplied
Rotary Rotorua Sunrise past president and Charity House project coordinator Sue Gunn said it was an exciting and unique community project for Rotary to be involved with.
"Carpenters are in short supply in New Zealand and with the rebuild of earthquake-ravaged Christchurch and the demand for housing throughout New Zealand at the top of the government's priority list, this collaboration is important to our economy and community."
Professionals McDowell residential sales agent Paul McDowell said the company was proud to support the project on "a number of levels".
"Firstly, the aspect of charity in itself is a great achievement that we take pride in supporting for the betterment of the community. Our willingness to play our part here is something we enjoy and encourage.
"This project also allows students the opportunity to gain skills and hands-on experience in the industry, creating more specialised builders who can make a difference towards the current housing shortage."
The value of producing more prefabricated transportable homes was something McDowell said he was excited about and believed would be part of a real solution in providing new housing in the area.
The style of build is something Professionals McDowell Real Estate believe could help the housing crisis. Photo / Supplied
Expressions of interest from local charities are currently open until March 4.
