Martinborough will kick-start the building of their new medical centre made possible through a two-year $400,000 charity drive with a turf-raising party at the site this Saturday.
Ro Griffiths, Ruamahanga Health Trust chairman, said the fundraising within two years of "such an incredible amount" spoke to the
overwhelming generosity and support generated within the small Martinborough community.
He said Martinborough builder Shane Hartnell won the tender for construction of the centre, which is to begin within the next fortnight.
Since the trust was formed in 2005 after difficulties were struck in attracting doctors to a rural practice, there has been a raft of fundraising projects successfully completed, including the inaugural Martinborough Long Lunch, the first Skyline Mountain Bike Ride and the first Martinborough Christmas Market, a grand ball, art auctions, charity cinema screenings, luncheon and dinner hosting, and many private donations.
The shortfall from the target of $600,000 for the centre was made up in private loans, he said.
"It's a real triumph that we're getting to this stage. It's enormously exciting."
Mr Griffiths said the centre, to be sited in Oxford Street on land leased from the Martinborough Lions Club, is to house a doctor and three nurses, with organisers now seeking a second doctor for the service as well.
Building consents have been lodged for the centre, he said, which will also feature other specialists and a dispensing pharmacy.
The turf-raising party will start at 10am and is to run until about noon, Mr Griffiths said, with a machine digger available and "treasure" buried onsite as a mystery bonus for workers and participants.
"Anybody who comes along with a spade or shovel is welcome to try their luck at the treasure and help celebrate our achievement."
