Media Release
For Immediate release
2 December 2013

Hamilton Fine Homes Tour raises most funds in 10 years: $101,500

With all fundraising now tallied, Lodge Real Estate announced today that the 2013 Hamilton Fine Homes Tour achieved its biggest fundraising effort ever with $101,500 raised through this year’s event.

Now in its 10th year, the cumulative funds raised for charities since the event’s inception has topped $500,000.

Lodge Real Estate Hamilton’s Jane Hargood, who devised the tour concept more than a decade ago, says the 2013 event has “taken the cake” with support from homeowners, tour participants and major sponsor Lodge.

“Everybody’s generosity has been overwhelming. The homeowners sacrifice a lot of their time and money to make the tour the most successful it can be and it has been wonderful,” Jane said.

More than 1600 people took the tour of 10 homes on 15 November, from Tamahere to River Rd north. A variety of opulent addresses, from a refurbished 1900s home to multi-million dollar new houses were on this year’s schedule.

“The homeowners go all out. Some of them start preparing for this event as early as February. In some cases it’s an inspiration for them to complete their dream home but mostly they see being involved in the tour as a way of giving something back to the community,” Jane said.

Jane said the tour’s popularity is down to the inquisitive human nature and the hard work of event coordinator Pam Townshend, a nine-strong committee and about 50 of Lodge’s staff.

“People, especially women, just love having a look through other people’s houses. It gives ideas to aspire to and a chance to dream.”

Westpac Rescue Helicopter will receive about $50,000 from the event, with Waikato Family Centre and Alzheimers Waikato each to receive just over $25,000 each.

“It’s so great that we can make such significant donations to these worthy causes.”

ENDS

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