Central Coast-based Free Trade Day goes nationwide

Read how the generosity of Central Coast tradies has given a 10-year-old boy a new lease on life.

Blair Sawer has severe quadriplegic cerebral palsy and his independence has been boosted by work done on Free Trade Day to replace the slate flooring in his family's home with timber flooring.

TEN-year-old Blair Sawer is living proof that the generosity of strangers can be life-changing.

Blair has severe quadriplegic cerebral palsy and up until this week, it wasn’t safe for him to navigate his wheelchair through his family’s Wyong home by himself due to the uneven slate flooring.

Enter the team from Free Trade Day, who put Central Coast-based tradies in touch with Blair’s family. Central Coast Floormaster Kincumber, Shipley Carpentry, Ezy Breezy Cleaning and Mitre 10 Kincumber all volunteered their time and materials to help his cause.

The slate flooring was all ripped up and replaced with timber flooring, while the kitchen was also modified to allow Blair better access.

“To be 10 years old and suddenly independent in his own home; it’s just fabulous,” Blair’s mum Julia said.

“They’ve just given him so much — it’s so overwhelming.”

Central Coast Floormaster Kincumber owners Karen and Scott Norkett have been involved with Free Trade Day since they opened their business two years ago.

Mrs Norkett confessed to getting emotional about the impact their work had on Blair.

“It was extra, extra good to be able to do this for Blair; he’s such a beautiful kid,” she said.

Blair’s family was among about 150 families nationwide assisted by Free Trade Day volunteers on Thursday, and across the week.

Free Trade Day founder Ryan Wilson on site with many tradies who rebuilt a rotten, collapsed deck for Wendy. Wendy hasn’t been able to access her laundry or go on her deck for over 10 years

It’s a massive effort for an initiative which was started on the Central Coast in 2017 by Ryan Wilson of Terrigal Electrical Services.

Downie Plumbing installed a new oven on Free Trade Day for a lady in Killarney Vale who hadn’t been able to cook for two years.

“It’s awesome how many people’s lives are getting changed because of it,” Mr Wilson said.

He added that he was grateful for the ongoing support of volunteers and sponsors — but there is room for more for next year’s event.

Details: Donate, nominate or volunteer at freetradeday.com.au

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