Wastebusters Alexandra closed its doors for good last week but not without giving back one last time.
The social enterprise’s koha day held the weekend before raised $2700, which will be donated to three charities — St John Alexandra, Puna Rangatahi and the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust.
Communications co-ordinator Alexia Johnston said the charities were chosen because of the ‘‘amazing’’ work they did in the community.
‘‘Donating all the proceeds of our final sale felt like a fitting way to celebrate Wastebusters’ time here in Alexandra,’’ she said.
The Lions Club of Alexandra hosted a sausage sizzle, while Rob Miller, of Rob’s Daily Grind, pulled up his coffee cart to help keep customers warm on what was another wintry day.
Both also donated to the cause.
While raising money was a key focus, Ms Johnston said, the event was also about celebrating the work of the many people who had been part of Wastebusters in Alexandra, from the founding members to those who were there when the doors closed one last time.
‘‘We hope that our koha day allowed customers to snap up a bargain, connect with our staff past and present, and share their own Wastebusters stories, all while supporting some other great causes that do so much valuable work within Central Otago.’’
Wastebusters general manager Tony Pfeiffer said past and current staff, regular customers and long-time volunteers were among those who attended and celebrated the organisation’s impact over the last two decades.
‘‘Wastebusters is proud to have delivered reuse and recycling solutions in Central Otago for the last eight years, continuing on the work started two decades ago by Central Otago Wastebusters,’’ he said.
‘‘I would like to sincerely thank the founders for their vision, foresight and drive, our current staff who have been absolutely fantastic, the council and our community for their support.’’
Wastebusters Alexandra site manager Brendan Smith said although it was the end of the Wastebusters chapter, he was hopeful another community enterprise may want to continue the story.
