Springboard takes possession of Sheepworld on October 29 and director Gary Diprose could not be more excited.
The plan is for Sheepworld to continue as a tourist attraction with its sheep shows, farmyard park, retail store, café and petting zoo, while at the same time offering young people the opportunity to learn practical skills, such as horticulture, sheep shearing, retailing and hospitality.
Gary says once they have possession, Springboard will begin a renovation programme, in particular freshening up the look of the café. It will also refit the barn area with classrooms and a gym, and bring in some of its relocatable buildings from its existing site on Hamatana Road.
Young people already involved in Springboard will assist with the renovations.
“We want them to feel it’s their own place and get excited about it too,” Gary says.
However, he says Springboard has the use of its Hamatana Road site until mid-January and the bulk of its programmes will continue there before switching to Sheepworld in the New Year.
Meanwhile, Springboard is gearing up for its annual fundraiser which, for the second year in a row, will be conducted online.
Last year’s effort raised $256,000. Gary says that will be a tough total to beat this year, given the difficulties of getting up any kind of momentum because of the Covid lockdown.
“We are hoping and praying the community is still saying, ‘Yep, we still believe in what Springboard is doing, and we are going to continue supporting you through tough times’,” he says.
The fundraiser will again be supported by Kennards Hire who have agreed to match every dollar donated up to $50,000.
In addition to supporting the fundraising campaign, Springboard is eager to hear from anybody who can volunteer to help with the move to Sheepworld or help with the renovations there.
Email: mail@springboard.org.nz
