Call for community to get behind ‘Free Trade Day’

Member for Robertson, Gordon Reid, with Ryan Wilson

An annual day-long campaign to help residents doing it tough and struggling with household repairs will take place on August 26 after a three-year COVID-19 hiatus.

Member for Robertson, Gordon Reid, met with founder and owner of Terrigal Electrical, Ryan Wilson, to learn more about this year’s campaign and to offer support.

“Free Trade Day started in 2017 and for two years made a real difference to people in the community who were unable to repair household items or address maintenance issues due to financial circumstances” Reid said.

“Ryan Wilson and his colleagues from Free Trade Day have founded something very special which has previously materialised into a national day where tradespeople and sponsors band together and help people who may otherwise be unable to repair household items or undertake maintenance work.

“This year, Free Trade Day is coming back bigger than ever after being restricted by COVID-19 lockdowns.

“They are encouraging Central Coast businesses, large and small, to get behind the campaign.

“These tradespeople cannot undertake their work without the generous support of local businesses, and I urge our community if they can, to make a sponsorship to this life-changing campaign”.

“I would like to thank all the tradespeople and businesses that have already contributed in previous years and look forward to the impact this year’s Free Trade Day will have.”

Wilson said Free Trade Day was a concept which was discussed after a job a few years ago where a blind 96-year-old war veteran had an electrical fault in his hot water system.

“This gentleman went without hot water for 18 months and was showering with cold water every day,” he said.

“Due to this man’s physical and financial situation, he was unable to get this fault repaired sooner.

“This made me realise how many others out there may be in similar circumstances and might not have the financial ability to get essential items or maintenance issues repaired; that led to the creation of Free Trade Day.”

Wilson said there had been an unbelievable amount of support from local businesses, radio stations and even national breakfast shows.

“We’re planning on this year being our biggest day yet and we are encouraging members of the community to jump onto our website and nominate any family or friends who they think might need some assistance around the house to repair essential items or undertake some maintenance work,” he said.

“We are also making a call out to any potential tradespeople or businesses that might like to participate in the day by offering their services.

“Tradespeople who have helped in the past get a real sense of worth and understanding of community charity and what a difference their service can make to the lives of people doing it tough.”

Nominations open on July 18 with the Lions Club of Terrigal-Wamberal helping to facilitate the day and organise the campaign.

To donate, volunteer or to nominate someone for Free Trade Day visit www.freetradeday.com.au

Source:
Media release, Jul 5
Member for Robertson, Gordon Reid