‘Toy making’ project keeps residents going

RetireAustralia's Carlyle Gardens will this year partner with Bunnings Warehouse Bundaberg to produce more toys than ever before.

Bunnings Warehouse have shown its support by donating the materials needed to make toys, including tractors, trailers, rocking chairs, cradles and hobby horses.

Over the years, thousands of these toys have been donated to national charities like Aussie Helpers and the Salvation Army, as well as local community groups, such as the South Kolan Kindergarten.

The group plans to expand to include even more kindergartens and play groups, thanks to their new partnership with Bunnings Warehouse.

Carlyle Gardens resident, Ernie Nankivell, who has been a key member of the group since it was formed in 2000, is thrilled with the news and remembers how the group first formed.

“One of the neighbours said, ‘why don’t we start making toys for underprivileged kids?’” Mr Nankivell says.

“‘Get a few of the blokes who are watering lawns that don’t need it and give them something to do. That’s how it all started.”

Several of the village’s male residents lead the charge, meeting weekly in the Carlyle Gardens workshop to build the toys.

The project is a way for the residents to stay active and involved, which many retirees can find difficult as the years go on.

Carlyle Gardens village manager, Mandy Julian, says the initiative has given residents a purpose and has benefits for everyone involved.

“For the men especially, it’s so important to have a creative outlet and a place to get together and socialise, and this is a great way for them to do just that,” Ms Julian says.

Carlyle Gardens sends a load of up to 400 toys to Aussie Helpers and the Salvation Army in Charleville each year.

“We get some lovely stories from the kids who receive the toys and that’s what keeps us going,” Mr Nankivell says.