Unique House for Life charity auction raises money for sick babies
The doors to a newly-built luxury home on the Gold Coast have opened and promises to deliver special value for its new owners when it goes under the hammer to raise money for Mater Hospital’s tiniest and most vulnerable babies.
The first Open for Inspection was held on 10 September at Plantation Homes’ double storey Majestic 45 located at Helensvale’s The Surrounds, which features four spacious bedrooms, three large bathrooms, two powder rooms, a pool, and a two-car garage.
Brisbane parents and House for Life Ambassadors, Amber Ward and Brisbane Lions assistant coach Jed Adcock, are helping to promote the unique house, which is set to go under the hammer on October 15.
The couple have two Mater Little Miracles, Hugo and Freddie, who were cared for at Mater Mothers’ Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU) before being healthy enough to go home.
Amber and Jed rode a heart-wrenching, emotional rollercoaster when their son Hugo was born 13 weeks premature in 2020, spending 89 days in the NCCU fighting for his life.
Weighing just 940g at 27 weeks gestation, Hugo needed to be intubated and had difficulty breathing.
He endured several complications – including three blood transfusions and a small grade two bleed on his brain.
The couple’s second son Freddie was born five weeks early and also required care in the NCCU to monitor his breathing.
“When both the boys were born early and unexpectedly, we were in total shock. The medical team at Mater looked after all of us and we are forever grateful that we were able to bring our babies home,” Amber said.
“Jed and I are committed to giving back to the hospital that saved our boys’ lives and want as many people to bid on this beautiful Gold Coast home.”
Mater Foundation Executive Director Andrew Thomas said funds raised from the no-reserve auction would go towards supporting the 2000 seriously ill and premature babies who are cared for at Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care unit each year, as well as to fund important research projects to improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
Mr Thomas encouraged people to visit the home for themselves at today’s open home.
“This project is a labour of love, with all of the suppliers and tradespeople donating their time, skills and resources to support sick and premature babies,” Mr Thomas said.
“We are also very grateful to Plantation Homes for their unique and ongoing support of this project over the years – this initiative makes a huge difference to the lives of Queensland’s tiniest patients.”
Plantation Homes general manager Alex Raleigh said after nine months construction and with more than 100 trades and suppliers donating their time and resources towards the build, Plantation Homes will open the 2022 House for Life Charity Home to the public for inspections.
“Auction Day is electric. It is the day where everyone involved with the build comes together to celebrate the superb group effort. It is also the day where the successful bidding family, not only take ownership of a stunning family home by Plantation Homes located in a great area, but to also know that 100 per cent of the proceeds goes to Mater Foundation,” Mr Raleigh said.
This House for Life is the ninth home that Plantation Homes has built and auctioned, with all proceeds from the sale going to the Mater Foundation.
More than $5 million has been raised for The Mater Foundation from the past eight House for Life charity homes built between 2008 and 2019, with the 2019 charity home selling for $986,000.
The Surrounds at Villawood is located close to shopping centres, schools, recreation and public transport.
The property is at 21 Forest Court, The Surrounds, Helensvale and open for inspection on Saturday from 10-11am. Visit houseforlife.com.au
