The G.J. Gardner Variety Freedom House is a charity project undertaken by the G.J. Gardner Shoalhaven team, their suppliers and tradies who build a family home as cost-effectively as possible with lots of donated time and material, and the profits of the sale of the home in early 2019 will go directly to Variety – the Children’s Charity.

The Havenlee School in North Nowra, which provides an education to students who have an intellectual or physical disability, has had a longstanding relationship with Variety and recently received support to fund the purchase of seven high-tech Commbox Interactive Panels.

School principal Katrina Eyland said this equipment, likened to a giant tablet on the wall, had been incredible for the students’ learning. 

“There are kids here who won’t pick up pens or pencils or do written work because they find it really difficult, but if you give them the Commbox they’re happy to go up and use their finger or a stylus to draw or write or colour in. They will actually do work on the commbox but can’t on paper,” she said. 

“Organisations like Variety are invaluable to Havenlee School. The needs of our students are specific and the things they need are often really expensive. Because of Variety we’re able to give the children things they never could have before.”

When work resume again in the new year it will be all hands on deck to get the finishing pieces completed and ready for public viewing.

“We’ve got great teams who are passionate about this project and looking forward to jumping into it following the Christmas break,” said G.J. Gardner Homes Shoalhaven co-driector Nathan Foy. 

To support the G.J. Gardner Variety Freedom House with a cash donation or with services or products, visit www.gjgardner.com.au/variety-freedom-house for more information.