Objectives:
Firstly,
in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity,
to build a house for a needy family who
would otherwise be unable to save a deposit
for a home or qualify for a mortgage.
To
do this, we involved members of BPW Dunedin
to organize and facilitate the actual construction,
and co-opted as many members as possible
of women’s groups and individuals
in Dunedin and in the surrounding rural
areas.
.
Secondly, to undertake a fundraising Art
Auction, to ensure financial viability for
the planned build, and for the following
year.
This
Housebuild gave women the opportunity to
learn building skills, and to be involved
in the complex administration of an ambitious
and inspirational project. The family itself
was expected and did contribute many hours
to building their new house. This would
change not only a special family’s
life but would touch the lives of all the
women who participated.
Planning
for the project commenced in late 2002 and
the Art Auction was held in October 2003.
Construction of the house commenced in February
2004 and the house was dedicated and handed
over to the family on 4 April 2004. (04.04.04)
Additional work has been done in the garden,
and a fence built as the warmer weather
returned.
Description:
There were two parts
to this project:
1. The fund raising
art auction
2. The Housebuild
The vision for the
project began in 2002 when a guest speaker
from Habitat for Humanity spoke to members
of BPW Dunedin. Members were inspired, thought,
“Why not?” and took up the challenge.
Art Auction
The
fundraising art auction became an integral
part of the project, as it became obvious
there was an on-going need for further funding
to ensure the viability of this and future
housebuilds. This highly successful event
was held in October 2003. Members of the
Dunedin club and Habitat for Humanity organised
the donation and collection of significant
art works from the local art community.
BPW Dunedin organised and ran the auction
itself using members to provide the specific
skills needed.
Housebuild
BPW
Dunedin worked in conjunction with Habitat
for Humanity on this project as Habitat
organisation world-wide has fine-tuned the
building projects. We used their practical
expertise in this area and we brought organisational
and administrative skills to the project.
In addition some of our members had professional
skills in the building industry and were
able to contribute in this way.
We
had originally planned to have an all women’s
build but practical common sense took over
and we did not refuse any assistance or
labour offered. This was an inclusive project
designed to ensure the house was built to
good standards and to meet all local and
national authority requirements.
At
the meetings, chaired by Carolyn Richardson,
we decided on the best course of action,
to fully utilise our skills. This involved
contacting all the women’s organisations
in the area, arranging for the BPW New Zealand
National Executive to meet in Dunedin at
the time of the Housebuild so that they
too could contribute their labour. We welcomed
volunteers from the local university student
community as well.
Results:
More
than 270 women were involved as a result
of BPW Dunedin’s initiative.
The
Art Auction received 108 pieces of art work,
and made a profit of $18,000 overnight.
Habitat for Humanity was overwhelmed by
our result, never having had such a successful
fundraiser before.
As
a result of this success, the viability
of next year’s Housebuild is assured
and in addition, a bonus house in the Pacific
Islands will also be built.
A new
house was built in Dunedin City.
A family
has a much better life style and an opportunity
to move forward economically, with improved
emotional and physical well-being for the
whole family, which contributes in turn,
to a more stable and healthy wider community.
There
was huge community support and goodwill.
Many individuals attended. Some local firms
gave a day’s labour for all their
staff as their contribution to community
service. We were supported by such groups
as BPW Milton, Rural Women NZ, Zonta and
National Council of Women.
There
was a feeling of camaraderie and people
who had originally intended to make a small
contribution kept returning to stay with
the group. Refreshment breaks were times
of sharing and enormous fun.
The
family, for whom the house was built, was
there every weekend working alongside the
volunteers. Strong and enduring friendships
developed.
For
many, it was a life-changing experience
just being involved. The energy and enthusiasm
generated among all those who worked on
the house was memorable and it challenged
women to do things that they would never
have attempted before, taking them out of
their comfort zone, learning new skills
and mixing with people from all walks of
life. Their determination and dedication
to complete this project, enabled and empowered
them to develop skills they would never
have dreamed of.
This
was an extraordinary project for a small
BPW club (30 members) to undertake, but
one which will leave an enduring heritage
for all involved.
This
project has been recognised with the following
awards:
| To
Carolyn Richardson |
- |
recognition from Habitat
for Humanity for her fundraising success. |
| To
BPW Dunedin |
- |
from Habitat for Humanity for the
club’s contribution to the Housebuild. |
| To
Carolyn Richardson |
- |
the prestigious Daphne Chapman BPW
NZ Award for her contribution to the
work of BPW |
| To
BPW Dunedin |
- |
the BPW NZ Brooker Marketing Award. |
| To
BPW Dunedin |
- |
Trustpower Dunedin City Council
Community Award – runner up
in Health and Wellbeing Section (second
only to the Community Hospice) |
Project
Team:
During
2003 - 2004, the project team include:
- Lyn Dowsett (President,
BPW Dunedin)
- Carolyn Richardson (Chair of the Housebuild
Planning Committee)
- BPW Milton, President Donna Allison
(President, BPW Milton)
- Jean Park (National President at the
commencement of the project)
- Anita Devcich (President, BPW NZ)
Evidence:
Photographs and newspaper
articles.
Last update: year 2005 |
