"They were brainstorming different community projects - doing a mural, helping the elderly. They voted and talked a lot about Limitless Hope," Project K programme manager Sally Kerr said.
"As a group they decided they wanted to directly help the community - it's the first year in about seven years where it has been driven by what they wanted to do.
They have taken it and run with it."
In a short time they organised the venue and had offers to donate everything needed for the sausage sizzle and carwash.
Hereworth School also made a contribution - pupils followed the Swannells' Givealittle page and donated as a class.
"We thought this was a great opportunity for the boys to follow the project as it is in our own back yard and there could be the potential to make a difference," teacher Erica Cranswick said.
They will also run a "box city" event for Year 5 and 6 boys to experience life with few possessions - just the clothes on their backs, limited, simple food and a box to sleep in.
As part of that they are collecting nonperishable food items.
Mrs Swannell said there was much work to be done and constant fundraising was needed to overcome any obstacles in launching the region's first emergency shelter.
"We really need to get a project manager who can follow it from start to finish, someone to organise shutting down the roads to move the house, or tell us when to bring in the engineers.
"It's getting close to the date we need it shifted by, October 1, and it will take three weeks before that to be pulled apart."
While they received many kind offers of land from "big-hearted people" all were based 20 to 30 minutes out of town and for practical reasons, that was just too far.
To help, phone Mrs Swannell on 027 3019 491 ¦Make a pledge at givealittle.co.nz/project/limitless hope, or donate directly to HB Limitless Hope Trustee Ltd: 38 9017 0031 584 00
