A month-long fundraiser by PlaceMakers Wānaka has raised thousands of dollars for an organisation which aims to improve mental health in the construction industry. 

Placemakers Wānaka operations support manager Ardouin Baker said the team was proud to have raised $5,000 for Mates in Construction in November.

Over the course of the month there were haircuts, Tiktok dances, karaokes and dress-up days.

Placemakers owner Tim Davis lost his locks; staff members walked up Mt Iron in their full PlaceMakers uniforms (including steel cap boots); and one had his legs and arms waxed.

“The management team literally put their bodies and their reputations on the line in a thermometer style fundraise where each manager endured a different event as we raised more money,” Ardouin said. 

“The team got right behind it, drumming up donations from customers so that we hit the next goal.”

The construction industry has the highest rate of suicide of any sector in New Zealand and the PlaceMakersfundraiser helped support the work of an organisation which aims to improve mental health in the construction industry.

The lighthearted fundraiser took place for a serious cause - the construction sector has the highest rate of suicide of any sector in New Zealand. 

“These are our customers, our colleagues, our friends, us,” Ardouin said. 

“With the lockdowns, Covid-19 uncertainty, border closures and product shortages, everyone’s mental health has been under pressure in some shape or form, and here at PlaceMakers Wānaka we are trying to acknowledge that and help ease some of the pressure.”

While many activities took place during November as part of the fundraiser, many were just for fun and to lift people’s spirits.

Ardouin said the whole experience was “brilliant”.

“There has been a lot of laughter and banter, teams have connected in ways they haven’t before, and we have been asked to carry on and make it a regular occurrence.”

The $5,000 will go towards the work Mates in Construction does around the country to help improving mental wellness and reduce suicide in the construction industry.

Learn more about Mates in Construction here.

PHOTOS: Supplied