More than 200 tradespeople will undertake dozens of jobs across the Central Coast on Friday, October 25, helping the most vulnerable members of the community.
Free Trade Day is an annual event which sees tradies volunteer their skills and time to help those in need.
Founded by Central Coast electrician and Lions Club member Ryan Wilson, the event sees those in need of a trade specialty job nominated by their community and matched with a relevant team of tradespeople who complete the job free of charge.
Kubota Australia will be providing equipment and funds to help bring the projects to life as it launches a national partnership with Lions Club Australia.
The partnership will see Kubota Australia provide skills, expertise and equipment for Lions Club projects right across Australia, including community support during times of crisis and natural disaster.
Those to be helped this year include the elderly, single parents, people living with disabilities and families dealing with terminal illness.
Among those nominated is a single mother of three diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer whose home is in desperate need of repairs and the Wyong Family Care Cottage, which will undergo much-needed renovations to better support families of sick children.
Wilson said he was thrilled to see Free Trade Day grow, with more supporters joining the ranks.
“In 2017 I took a job for an elderly man who had been without water for six months,” he said.
“After fixing the problem, I discovered that he had been suffering in silence for far too long because he was unable to afford basic repairs.
“Sadly, he passed away shortly after the job was completed, but I couldn’t shake the thought of how many more people like him were out there, and that’s where the idea for Free Trade Day was born.
“The day is just so powerful.
“Not only are the recipients crying happy tears, but the tradies are also often overcome with emotion realising that they have used their skills to change someone’s life.”
Wilson hopes to see Free Trade Day grow into a national movement.
“It’s truly a humbling and emotional experience for everyone involved and we’re thrilled to have Kubota come on board this year,” he said.
“With their help, and with the support of Lions Club Australia, we’re hoping to bring Free Trade Day to every corner of Australia.”
Lions Australia CEO Rob Oerlemans said Free Trade Day was just one example of its network of volunteers coming together to benefit Australian communities.
“We’re thrilled to support our Central Coast branch with the incredible initiative that is Free Trade Day, and we’re even more excited to announce our national partnership with Kubota,” he said.
“Kubota Australia and Lions Club share a strong commitment to helping people and communities, so we couldn’t think of a better national partner.”
Kubota Australia Marketing Manager Mark Basile said the partnership with Lions Club Australia was a natural fit for the company.
“We are excited to partner with Lions Club Australia and support such a meaningful cause,” he said.
“This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long-lasting partnership.
“Free Trade Day is all about giving back, and we’re proud to provide equipment and resources that will help make a real difference for families on the Central Coast.”
For more information on Free Trade Day or to make a donation, visit https://freetradeday.com.au/