Until now, the community-run service, which lends toys, games and play equipment to hundreds of local families, has been based on Queenstown Events Centre land, but has to find a new home due to the Event Centre’s redevelopment.
Committee member Gary Hough says they’re fortunate to have found a temporary space nearby, thanks to Remarkables Park Ltd, but they have to come up with $60,000 in the next couple of months to fit out the interim space and keep the service running without interruption.
Hough says they’re indebted to grants from Central Lakes Trust and Community Trust South, which have provided a "vital foundation", but "what remains is a real gap — and a tight deadline — that only the community can close".
Over the past two years, the volunteer-run committee’s transformed the service by launching a fully online toy catalogue, reusable birthday party packs and garden game rentals, while strengthening family partnerships across the district.
"This relocation is about protecting that progress, and ensuring every child in the Whakatipu can access great play, regardless of household income," he says.
The toy library’s been fundraising through ‘The Ultimate Mother’s Day Pamper Package’, being drawn at 7pm tonight, valued at $430, which includes a distillery tour for two at Cardrona Distillery, a 90-minute European spa session with The Bathhouse Group, a Kalinz skincare gift box, Patagonia Chocolates, Ahi Candles and Stir Tea.
There are also spot prizes from Watershed Saunas and Pop-in Portraits.
Tickets for that are available via galabid.com/the-ultimate-mothers.
Hough says they’ve also launched a Givealittle page (l1nq.com/pr264vr) and are on the hunt for business partners.
Local businesses can become a ‘Founding Brick Partner’, for $1500, or a ‘Founding Block Partner’, for $5000, both of which include social media recognition, an invitation to the Frankton reopening event, and a team volunteering session — Block partners also receive permanent signage at the new premises.
Anyone interested can email wtlfundraiser@gmail.com
