Amazing work being done at Enterprises

Collective Whanganui has turned into a voyage of discovery for me. Recently I visited Wanganui Enterprises at 41 London St. I've passed it many times and just assumed it's another example of Whanganui's entrepreneurial light industry. It is, sort of, but it is much, much more.
Chris Hollenback invited me for a visit, ostensibly to have a look at what they do and to talk about how they could become involved in the Collective Whanganui project.
And while I was there I was taken on a trip around their operation, and met some lovely people. I really tried not to interfere with their work but I think I did get in the way a few times. And at the end of the visit I nearly walked off with my hi vis vest but that's another story.
Did you know it is a Charitable Trust, which has been operating since 1979?
And did you know that they provide rehabilitation, training and employment for people living with disabilities?
And what's more, did you know that they provide disabled people with the dignity and knowledge that their earning capacity is related in pay to an able-bodied worker?
If in doubt, check it out on their website. I just did. But better still, take a trip down there and have a look at what they produce. I left with three gumboot removal tools (I'm sure they have a name but you know what I mean - you stick your boot heel in one bit, stand on the other bit and pull), one for home, one for my son's home and one for Mainstreet offices so that when the guys come in they can easily remove their dirty boots. And at $5 each, a steal.
And I'll be back. They have a dozen designs for garden trellis, farm dog kennels, garden planters and more. I discovered this afternoon my friend bought a garden planter from there and they built it so that she can garden at comfortable standing height. It's an amazing place peopled by amazing individuals doing amazing work, in more ways than one.
There should be more places like that. Keep up the good work and thanks for the visit.