Roselle Blockley at her design studio. Photo/Andrew Warner
Roselle Blockley at her design studio. Photo/Andrew Warner
A Tauranga woman's talent for beautifying houses will help feed people who are homeless or hungry.
Interior designer Roselle Blockley hatched her fundraising scheme after spotting several figures sleeping on the steps of a church near her design store earlier this year.
"It really touched me," she says. "I didn'tknow that happened in our city and certainly wasn't aware it was happening right on my doorstep. Since then, I've read a lot more about the terrible poverty in our backyard."
Determined to help, she hatched a plan to raise money by involving some generous clients.
Four homeowners from Mount Maunganui and Tauranga have consequently agreed to open their abodes to ticket holders for one evening. Another 45 clients have snapped up tickets to an exclusive tour of the houses, receiving drinks and culinary treats at each stop and travelling on a luxurious coach fitted with bar, television and plush seating.
Meanwhile, her business contacts are continuing to donate items for a charity auction to be held on the same night in December. Paint firm Paint Plus has offered a house-load of paint that will hopefully fetch several thousand dollars under the hammer.
Roselle aims to net more than $7000, which will be handed over to a Mount Maunganui church known for its annual Christmas giveaway of groceries to people in need. Last December, Mosaic Church donated 1000 bags full of pantry staples, treats and essential household items around the Tauranga city area.
Rosie knew the church would ensure any money she raised reached the right people.
"I decided Christmas was my target goal. I thought, if people are hungry and sleeping on the streets now, what must go on at Christmas?"
The big-hearted designer will finish the Christmas-themed tour at her own central Tauranga business La Belle Maison Interiors, so invited guests can buy auction items.
Roselle Blockley at her design studio where her Christmas tour will finish. Photo/Andrew Warner
"I felt pretty helpless when I saw this need and then I thought well, what am I good at?
How can I use my skills to help these people who have so much sadness in their lives?
Now a lot of us - these incredibly generous homeowners, my lovely clients, the businesspeople who are donating things - will be able to wake up on Christmas morning and know we did something. "I'm still looking for auction donations, too.
Every $40 we raise will buy another bag of groceries and the Mosaic Church people know exactly how to make that money go a long way."
She hopes the house tour will become an annual event.
"There's certainly demand - this year's tickets sold within 24 hours."
Roselle Blockley's design studio. Photo/Andrew Warner
*To donate auction items, contact Roselle at roselle@labellemaisoninteriors.com or call 027 542 4431.
