Volunteers Peter Debney, left, Bill Reid, Rex Foreman and Sandra Debney getting ready for today’s book sale. PHOTO/WILLIAM HEATH
Preparations for the final annual Wairarapa Heart Foundation fundraising book sale got into full swing yesterday.
In its 22nd year, its last hoorah was expected to be massive, and more volunteers are being needed to help it go out with a bang.
The organisers need volunteers to assist with packing up on Sunday.
Pre-loved books, jigsaw puzzles, records, DVDs and more will be on sale from 10am-4pm today, and 10am-3pm Sunday.
What started as a garage project in the 90s had grown to a full-scale fundraising operation.
The increasing volume of books being donated over the years meant they first had to be stored in a wool shed on Ngaumutawa Rd, then to the stables at the Opaki racecourse.
Finally, the books moved into the old maternity ward behind Wairarapa Hospital.
The group had been operating out of the ward for the past 15 years, but the property’s deteriorating condition meant it was time to go.
A team of up to 15 volunteers met every Thursday to sort through donations from the wider Wairarapa community.
Volunteer Peter Debney said the time had come to hand the operation to a new generation of fundraisers.
“Like all community voluntary projects there comes a time when age and attrition bring down the curtain.
“It’s time to hand on the baton – should another band of volunteers bringing fresh ideas, energy and enthusiasm come forward to take the project on.”
Volunteers are welcome to get stuck in from 2pm onwards on Sunday at the Trust House Recreation Centre, Dixon St, Masterton.
