Kiri Swannell, who along with her husband Kevin and family sparked up the project nearly a month ago, said she was thrilled by the latest addition to the growing list of people and businesses putting their hands up.
"That's awesome - it's fantastic to hear that."
Their quest was quickly adopted by Hawke's Bay Today through launching the Limitless Hope Emergency Shelter Appeal to help raise the money and the practical requirements needed to make it all happen.
While the building for the emergency shelter had been sorted, thanks to Property Brokers who offered their former Hastings two-storeyed office, the challenge was now on to raise the estimated $100,000 to have it removed and replanted on a new site - which was still being sought. The Givealittle fund had edged past the one-third mark with about $34,000 pledged, and the target effectively had to be reached by the end of this month as the building had to be removed within a certain time frame.
"It's countdown time ... 29 days to go," Ms Swannell said yesterday, adding she was hopeful that people would step up.
"Every little bit helps."
On the land front the signs were good.
"We have some possibilities of land through approaches from private people but it is too early to say anything more than that at this stage.
"We are still having discussions but I am positive we are going to have some land - it's just the logistics that need to be worked out." She said if all went well and targets were met, the region's first permanent emergency shelter for people in desperate situations and in need could be operating by the end of the year, or early next year.
"We've just got to make it happen," Ms Swannell said.
For Mr Marinus, the project had another plus factor for him as he enjoyed working on older buildings and houses.
"I specialise in restoration so this will suit me," he said.
His enthusiasm to be part of the eventual makeover team has even spread to a couple of the sub-contractors he worked with.
He spoke about his volunteer plans to help with plasterer Luke Smith.
He, too, said he'd be willing to do his bit as well.
"We just want it all to go well for them."
•For offers of help, please phone Ms Swannell on 027 3019 491. Make a pledge at givealittle.co.nz/project/limitlesshope, or donate directly to HB Limited Hope Trustee Ltd: 38 9017 0031 584 00.
Events coming up
Saturday, July 4
- sausage sizzle fundraiser at Hastings' The Warehouse from 9am to 4pm (the Swannells will be on hand to meet and chat with people).
Wednesday, July 8
- Fundraiser auction and raffle at The Thirsty Whale in Ahuriri. Tickets are $50, with half being donated to the Limitless Hope Emergency Shelter Appeal. Phone Kiri Swannell on 027 3019 491.
