Woodville Lions are still negotiating with KiwiRail for the return of their iconic Manawatu Gorge track and tunnel walk which was derailed after 21 years, but in the meantime, they're on board with a new fundraising venture.
"While all our hopes are for a successful outcome with KiwiRail, the reality is negative impacts from the withdrawal of the track and tunnel project have hit our club quite badly, so our monster garage sale is a bid to again step up and serve our community," said Lions communication team member Warren Jones.
"For the past 50 years Woodville Lions Club has built a solid reputation bringing good projects together to help make our community the really great place it is. Our club's initiatives to improve our environment, assist our seniors and serve the needs of all ages are seen, used and appreciated every day."
In early 2016, after 21 years, KiwiRail pulled the plug on the Lions' popular 10km track and tunnel walk from the lime quarry near the Ballance Bridge to the Ashhurst Domain, citing health and safety concerns.
"This has badly impacted on our club's health-related charities, which included Arohanui Hospice and St John's," Mr Jones said.
In 21 years 24,000 people walked the track raising $300,000 and the Woodville Lions Club is pinning its fundraising hopes on its monster garage sale this Saturday.
Club members have been collecting working tools, working farm equipment, furniture, household goods, garden tools and surplus stock for the garage sale, which will be held at the Woodville Events Centre on Vogel St.
All proceeds from the sale would go to assist Arohanui Hospice and a range of health charities and the good work a large number of people in the region had much cause to be thankful for, Mr Jones said.
Goods can be donated up to the morning to the sale.