Kids Under Cover's Inaugural Cubby House Challenge 2009

When Kids Under Cover director, Petrina Dorrington, undertook a study tour to the USA in 2006, an extremely successful fundraising concept called ‘Project Playhouse’, developed by homelessness organisation HomeAid, caught her attention.

The project invites the building industry to design, build and donate highly creative and unique children’s cubby houses, which are then auctioned as a major fundraiser. The trip left her pondering whether such an event was possible here in Australia.

As a result, in early 2008, Kids Under Cover worked with volunteer Kerry Butcher, Kids Under Cover patron Master Builders, and The Nous Group to conduct a feasibility study around the ‘Cubby House Challenge’, as it is now known. The research results were extremely positive so it was decided to conduct a pilot Cubby House Challenge at the Master Builders Home Improvement Expo in June 2009 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

Over six weeks, our friends at Fasham Johnson and their suppliers designed, built and donated a sensational, one-of-akind cubby house that reflected their ethos of light and space. Valued at approximately $15,000, the cubby was raffled at the Expo over three days.

Fasham Johnson’s design brief was to create an ‘…eco-friendly, craftsman built cubby house utilising sustainable materials of best available quality with stainless steel fixings.’ The cubby was fully fitted-out with working electrical systems and included such features as solar powered high-tech equipment, fireman’s pole, observation pod, workbench, kitchen, soft furnishings, TV/DVD player, rain water tank, lots of play equipment and a gardening kit.

The cubby was a highlight of the Expo, creating quite a spectacle for the hundreds of children who could ‘look and feel’ inside. The raffle raised a staggering $12,000 and the interest in next year’s standalone event was phenomenal.

Given the short lead-time, support from our sponsors was crucial to the success of the event, especially in this first year. We would like to acknowledge presenting partners the following organisations: Presenting Partners, Master Builders, Fasham Johnson, Building and Home Improvement Expo, Skillers Workwear, Home Timber and Hardware, BPA Print Group, The Nous Group and Hocking Stuart.

We would also like to acknowledge Home Aid, Orange County who were extremely supportive of the Cubby House Challenge, sharing valuable knowledge with Kids Under Cover, and Kerry Butcher who volunteered her time to get make this project a reality.