Whanganui's Koha Shed continues campaign to raise money for section purchase

Koha Shed manager Sherron Sunnex says they have a number of fundraising events in the pipeline.

An impromptu garage sale has boosted the Koha Shed's coffers by more than $600.

The Koha Shed is working towards buying the section it occupies in Duncan St, Whanganui East. Whanganui District Council has identified it as a site that might be sold to pay off debt. The council has not indicated a price for the land but the fundraising committee is aiming to raise $40,000.

Koha Shed manager and founder Sherron Sunnex said the garage sale was held on Saturday, June 2.

"We were donated some lovely furniture for fundraising and we needed the space in our garage so we decided to have an impromptu garage sale," Sunnex said.

"We had a great turnout of people and raised more than $600. We have a few more fundraising events planned over the winter."

The Koha Shed's next fundraising event would be a pop-up shop at Whanganui East School on June 23-24, Sunnex said.

"We have been given some brand-new clothing, ballgowns, retro/vintage clothes and beautiful accessories," Sunnex said.

"The stuff we have is absolutely to die for. It's beautiful and our prices will be very reasonable because we want to sell it."

Entry to the pop-up shop will be by gold coin or a can of food.

"The cans of food will go in our pantry which we always need to be restocking. When people need food over the weekend, if they haven't been able to get to the Food Bank on Friday, then we are the only ones they can contact for help. Some of our volunteers cook meals for them because you don't want families with children only having tinned food."

Sunnex said the colder weather had meant a run on heaters and bedding. The Koha Shed also needed thermal curtains and kitchen items especially electric jugs, toasters, pots and pans and kitchen utensils.

"We're doing at least two set-up packs a week for people who are starting from scratch," she said.

"Cleaning gear like vacuum cleaners, brooms and mops are gone as soon as they come in."

People who wanted to donate items could drop them off at 88 Duncan St between 8.30am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday.

"If they can't drop them off until the weekends, they can contact us via our Facebook page and we can arrange to meet them there," Sunnex said.

• The Koha Shed is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am until 3pm.