By ANNE-MARIE EMERSON
Visitors to Mitre 10 Mega Wanganui might notice something unusual in the store's carpark over the next few months. But don't worry, the house is supposed to be there.
The house was moved from its Church Pl site to the Mitre 10 Mega carpark early yesterday morning. There it
will stay until it has been renovated and moved to a new site in Aramoho.
The house will then be auctioned off to raise money for Hospice Wanganui.
The House 4 Hospice project was the brainchild of the hospice's fundraising manager, John Kimbrey, who had been trying to get a major fundraising activity off the ground since June last year.
Since that first idea, House 4 Hospice had grown to become "a huge community project".
"So many people are getting involved with it," said Mr Kimbrey.
Britton House Movers transported the house from Church St for free, and will transport it to its new site for free in September.
Mitre 10 Mega are allowing the use of part of its carpark and are donating fittings for the house.
An anonymous donor contributed the house, while Wanganui residents Clarry Inwood and Penny Gribbon donated the land.
"That's nearly $100,000 worth of gifts just from those supporters," said Mr Kimbrey.
For the next stage of the project volunteers were needed to help strip the house and renovate it.
"We need anyone who can donate a bit of time to help out, even if it's just ripping out the kitchen," said Mr Kimbrey.
"We also need painters, plumbers, electricians, builders ? anyone with practical skills."
The house will be moved to its final resting place in September and the gardens landscaped.
"In October or November we'll have a big barbecue to celebrate our volunteers, then we'll auction the house." Mr Kimbrey said he hoped House 4 Hospice would raise at least $150,000.
l If you would like to help with the House 4 Hospice project, please call Hospice Wanganui on 3490080.
