Builders of charity house that sold for $1.3m recognised in national awards – Beragampengetahuan

Trucks and motorbike convoys made way for bricks and mortar, in a bid to continue raising much needed funds for sick children and their families in Illawarra and the South Coast communities in NSW.

When the COVID pandemic put a halt on the i98FM Illawarra Convoy – the largest truck and motorbike convoy in the Southern Hemisphere, which raises money to help support individuals and families affected by potentially life threatening medical conditions, as well as charities and local hospitals – G.J. Gardner Homes stepped in.

To ensure vital funds were still raised, ‘The House that Convoy Built’ was devised as a unique fundraising activity where a brand new house was built with the help and support of local tradesmen, suppliers and businesses donating their time, products and skills for a good cause – the Convoy & Illawarra Community Foundation.

100% of the proceeds of the sale went to the Illawarra community foundation. Picture: beragampengetahuan.com.au/sold

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Designed by ADM Architects, the three bedroom, two bathroom home at Vista Park, Wongawilli comprised of an open plan living area with two living spaces, alfresco dining and a double car garage.

All proceeds from the sale of the home – which sold under the hammer for $1,315,000 – went to the foundation.

The money went towards completing the final stage of the redevelopment of the Wollongong Hospital Children’s Ward redevelopment, including work on the Paediatric Clinic Area and the Paediatric Assessment Unit.

86 Wongawilli Road, Wongawilli sold under the hammer for $1.315m. Picture: beragampengetahuan.com.au/sold

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Sean Vickery, managing director of G.J. Gardner Homes – Shoalhaven, says when the pandemic placed restrictions on the convoy going ahead there was one industry that wanted to step in and keep the spirit alive, and that was the building industry.

“Together, our teams from G.J. Gardner Homes Wollongong and Shoalhaven project managed the entire build and helped source local donors to ensure it was constructed at minimal cost to provide the most support possible to local families in need,” he said.

“G.J. Gardner Homes Wollongong and Shoalhaven place an incredibly high priority on supporting our communities.

“This includes hiring staff and trades to sourcing materials, as well as connecting with local sporting groups, schools, charities and community groups.”

The architecturally designed home came with all appliances including, microwave, washing machine, dryer, fridge, coffee machine, toaster, kettle and Dyson vacuum. Picture: beragampengetahuan.com.au/sold

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Armed with a strong passion to give back to the community, G.J. Gardner Homes Wollongong and Shoalhaven worked with 120 different trades and suppliers to bring the charity home to life.

“We are immensely proud of the end result of this project, especially having worked and gone to auction around all kinds of COVID restrictions and impacts,” Mr Vickery said.

“The culmination of all the G.J. Gardner Homes Wollongong and Shoalhaven fundraising activities over recent years, including the most recent auction, gives a total fundraising amount from G.J. Gardner Homes Wollongong and Shoalhaven to charity of close to $2million.

“In addition to this, the funds helped the Illawarra Community Foundation continue to support families in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven areas affected by potentially life-threatening medical conditions.

“This includes providing fuel and food vouchers, covering medical expenses and pharmacy accounts and unfortunately, on some occasions, funeral expenses.”

The home was sold fully furnished including bedroom furniture, lounges, dining table, outdoor setting, and entertainment units. Picture: beragampengetahuan.com.au/sold

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The company’s commitment and dedication to supporting the i98FM Illawarra Convoy’s Illawarra Community Foundation saw them take out the Contribution to Community Award at the Annual REA Excellence Awards.

“The recognition of the REA Awards holds significant meaning and value for not only our franchise but also our wider G.J. Gardner Homes family,” Mr Vickery said.

“Winning this award serves as a validation and acknowledgement of our dedication to making a positive difference in the community we live and work in.

“It demonstrates that our efforts, initiatives, and contributions have been noticed, appreciated, and celebrated by a larger audience, including industry peers, customers, and the broader community.”

Furthermore, Mr Vickery said the prestigious award also served as a source of pride for staff within the company.

“It serves as a testament to the collective efforts of our whole team and reinforces their sense of purpose and impact beyond just their daily business operations,” he said