A cubby fundraiser

Max Allan and Doug Markham from the Gisborne Men's Shed with the specially-designed cubby. (Joe Mastroianni). 310036_01

It’s the Australian toddler’s dream – a light-filled weatherboard cubby, with double doors, a little window and a tin roof – and it’s being raffled off by the Gisborne Men’s Shed to raise money for the Gisborne Community Care Foodbank.

Specially designed and hand-crafted by the shed’s in-house carpenters, led by Max Allen, this is the third year a cubby has been donated to the cause.

They aim to raise at least $5000 to continue providing support to those in need.

Doug Markham from the Men’s Shed said the initiative was about giving back to the community, while providing opportunities for a great project within the shed itself.

“It [also] gains recognition for what Men’s Sheds can do for men,” he said.

“It’s a benefit for men here from a mental health perspective and it creates great camaraderie between the members.”

Food bank secretary and marketing coordinator Julie Ireland said working with the Men’s Shed had been fantastic, who have now raised more than $13,000 for the charity in the last two years.

“The cubby is amazing, the detail is incredible,” Ms Ireland said.

“It’s got a table and chairs with it and a black board. It’s got double doors, so people can use it as a garden shed as well… the craftsmanship is beautiful, they take such care.”

Every $5 raffle ticket bought is another chance to win, with the draw is taking place on Monday, December 19 at 11am at the Gisborne Men’s Shed.

Ms Ireland said not only was the cubby a fabulous win, but raised the profile of the shed, who are “there to help if men need somewhere to go and people to talk to”.

Buy raffle tickets here: bit.ly/3Ufczqo

Details: www.facebook.com/GisborneFoodbank/.

Elsie Lange