Wānaka Community Workshop (WCW) Trust is holding a fundraiser this weekend (Friday January 14 to Sunday January 16) with lots of untreated wood including oregon framing timber, plywood and MDF board up for grabs. 

Money raised from the event will help support future activities at the workshop, building on a successful first year where workshop members contributed to a range of community initiatives. 

“WCW is a community-led workshop space located on Gordon Road where everyone is welcome to come and share knowledge, tools, resources and materials for their making or repairing project,” founder Ben Acland said.

The trust aims to use recovered resources like surplus building materials and donated tools to create practical solutions for social and environmental problems, he said.

During its first year of operation the trust has helped protect the environment by building over 200 kit set rat trap tunnels for various groups; partnered with Dunlop Builders and Stoked Stainless to divert three tonnes of building materials from landfill; and hosted three repair workshops.

It also built two Lilliput Libraries, two food donation bins and a battery recycling station for local groups and organisations.

Ben said a team of volunteers had recently dismantled the large wooden rack which was located in the covered trade yard at the old Mitre 10, salvaging lots of wood which the trust would like to see put to good use. 

Volunteers have salvaged wood from the former Mitre 10 which will be available to buy from Friday to Sunday.

The fundraiser wood sale will take place between 9am and 3pm on January 14-16 at the former Mitre 10 outdoor trade yard (accessed via the carpark).

As well as providing practical help, the WCW provides a shared collaborative space for the community to get together. 

“[It] supports the most vulnerable members of our community by providing them with a place where they are valued, and can connect with others,” Ben said.

“A strong first year start has set the WCW Trust up for the future.”

Head along to the fundraiser or find more information about getting involved with the WCW Trust here.