Fundraiser for Foxton's art recycling hub

AMBA Wright's vision for creating an art recycling hub in Foxton.

A special fundraiser to raise money for Foxton's art recycling hub will offer bargains, fun and entertainment for the whole family, as well as contributing to a good cause.

Foxton resident Amba Wright began the recycling centre as a way to challenge society's "disposable mentality," with plans to set up a creative hub at Foxton Racecourse's old tote building.

"My vision is for it to be a place where creative souls can forage, an interactive art hub that helps minimise waste and brings about awareness for positive practices," Ms Wright said.

"We plan to extend what the [Palmerston North] Art Recycling Centre offered, to include restoring furniture, offering classes and workshops in creative upcycling, promoting the arts in Horowhenua and educating sustainable living practices."

She had originally been volunteering at the art hub at Square Edge Community Arts Building in Palmerston North, but on hearing it was closing after 26 years in existence, Ms Wright decided to seize the opportunity to relocate it to Foxton and keep it going.

The old tote building offered a good solution, although it is in a state of disrepair and needs a fund injection, particularly for roof repairs.

Ms Wright set up the Greenheart Hub Trust to take on the project, which has 13 trustees and five volunteers, and they are planning the fundraising event in the hopes of starting building repairs.

The event, to be held at the racecourse, will feature a garage sale, as well as an auction of furniture and art and a pre-loved fashion show.

Food and drinks will be on offer, with a Thai food truck on site, along with espresso coffee to keep punters' energy levels up.

Ms Wright said there would also be "fun, games and entertainment".

Cars can drive into the grounds to park, with a gold coin donation per car asked for.

The art hub has already received a Foxton Promotions grant which helped with some initial clean-up and repair of the tote building, and with proceeds from the fundraising event will help take things further.

She said the old tote building stood out as the perfect location because of its generous space, tranquil environment, great natural light and huge amount of charm.

"I feel the Foxton racecourse is a significant part of Foxton's heritage. It needs restoration," she said.

"I'm overwhelmed with the level of interest, excitement and support I have received already for this community project."

Ms Wright said the Trust was welcoming donations for the garage sale, with pick up available, or expressions of interest for sponsorship.

Contact 027 600 8638.

¦ Greenheart Hub Trust Garage Sale and Auction Charity Fundraiser, Saturday 9 June, Foxton Racecourse (highway entrance), 9am to 3pm (auction at 1pm.) Gold coin donation per car.