When two 20-year-old local lads came up with the idea to offer free help doing odd jobs for people in the community, they never thought the response would be so great.
“We just wanted to get out in the region and share a bit of love,” says James Whaanga. “We thought there are definitely people out there who need help, so we put the post up on Facebook to see who reached out and we’ve been inundated!”
In just a week, the boys had lined up 11 jobs, from mowing lawns and weeding to chopping wood and helping to move house.
“We feel awesome helping people and it’s a way we can spread happiness through kindness as that’s what we preach,” says James, who is a church missionary, along with fellow worker Michael Tofa.
The boys don’t want anything in return for their help, although some happy customers have given them lunch along the way. And on seeing their efforts, a local bakery in Brightwater has offered them a free lunch whenever they are passing.
Their kindness has also caught the eye of Chris from Rapid Refinishers who has gifted the boys with a weed whacker, lawn mower and a leaf blower to help them on their way with all the jobs they are getting booked for. “Chris and the team are absolute legends,” says James. “It’s so awesome.”
“We’ve had elderly folk contact us, single mums and young families,” continues James. “If someone needs us, then we’ll be there – and if it’s outside of our remit, then we tend to know other people who are willing to help out too. Just ask.”
Lori Marevich is one of the boys’ satisfied customers. “For anyone unsure about whether to get in touch, the boys are amazing and did a great job at my house,” she commented on their Facebook post. “And they were so lovely, too.”
The boys are offering help from Brightwater through to Nelson and are happy to do just about anything. If you’d like to book the boys, call James on 021 277 2105.