Charity build to aid babies
IT’S almost tools down for a Gold Coast charity house that has been built to help save the lives of seriously ill and premature babies.
After donating both time and resources, the hard work of more than 60 volunteers has come to fruition with the creation of the eighth House for Life project in Helensvale.
The Plantation Homes initiative sees a house built and then auctioned off with all proceeds given to Mater Little Miracles, a program which helps more than 2000 sick babies each year.
Mater Foundation executive director of fundraising Lesley Ray said her favourite part of the four-bedroom house was the Hamptonsstyle kitchen.
“We are hoping to raise around $1 million from this house,” Ms Ray said. “It will mean the total contribution from Plantation Homes to the Mater Foundation over the years is more than $3.5 million – it’s truly exceptional.”
Ms Ray said the money raised went towards research and buying vital equipment for the Mater Hospital neonatal critical care unit.
“When I think about what this house means, it’s all that it means to Mater, the physicians, researchers and the families who will benefit from the incredible project, but there’s also a family who will get a magnificent home at the end of this,” she said.
Ms Ray also wanted to thank all the volunteers who worked on the property.
“Being apart of this project and being volunteers, providing their time and resources year after year, is the most incredibly generous thing to do,” she said.
“Thank you hardly ever seems like enough.”
This year Villawood Properties joined the project and donated the land at The Surrounds in Helensvale.
The property is almost complete and is set to head under the hammer on September 7.