CREATIVITY
CREATIVE JUNCTION
PAGE 11
The Power of Shelter
Habitat for Humanity Northland
have launched their biggest
fundraiser yet.
The Power of Shelter exhibition
launched on October 2 at the
Whangarei Art Museum.
A collection of pieces from more
than 13 different artists, including
7 prisoners from
Northland Regional Corrections
Facility are showcased in the
exhibition.
“The standard of work is just
phenomenal.” says Event and
Marketing Manager Laura
Welsby. “We’ve had such amazing
feedback so far.”
The exhibition, which closes with
an auction on October 30, is part
of the ‘Together We
Build’ fundraiser. The aim is to
raise $100,000 to build another
home for Northlanders in need.
The involvement of the prisoners
was an essential part of the
exhibition, which is part of the
‘Together we Build’ fundraiser.
Habitat for Humanity have been
working alongside prisoners at
Northland Regional
Correction Facility for nearly
a decade now. The prisoners
construct homes for the charity,
gaining work experience and
contributing to community while
serving their sentences.
The houses then get craned out
from between the prison walls
and transported to a new
site for their awaiting family.
The current house is being
constructed for the Kaikohe
community.
“It’s very rare for a house to go
back into the community it is
being built in.” says Ms
Welsby. “That’s what makes this
project so special for so many
people.”
Ms Welsby says the exhibition
launch
date
purposefully
coincided with World Habitat day.
a move which further reflects
Habitat for Humanity’s purpose.
“[World Habitat Day] is a move
to encourage those around us to
reflect on the state of our
towns and cities, and on the basic
right of all to adequate shelter.”
PHOTOS: DAWN DUTTON