Three months after Cooinda and The Border Mail launched an appeal to raise $150,000 towards the extension of the building, the Border community has provided more than $119,000 worth of cash and in-kind donations.

Another $50,000 has come from the NSW Government, which will help to meet mortgage costs for the new property.

Together, the amount raised totals $169,000 and other donations are expected to filter in over the next month to bring the community total over the line.

Among those celebrating the fundraising milestone yesterday was one of the Cooinda families, Leone Wickham, her husband Andrew and son David, 8.

The Baranduda family have been involved with the organisation for a couple of years and have now donated flooring.

“We wanted to help them because they do so much, with everything from the carers’ pampering days to family camps,” Mrs Wickham said.

Rob Wilson, from Haden Engineering, will install heating and cooling while Bobbi McKibbin, of Anything Solar, will provide solar panels to generate power.

“We are a start-up business and want to support the community and this is certainly a worthwhile cause,” Mr McKibbin said.

Cooinda committee of management president Lizzie Pogson said with North East builder Sustainabylt now on board, Cooinda staff were hoping to get into the premises some time in July.

A barbecue, clean-up day and gala opening were also planned.

Further report, final tally — page 32