A draught seems like a trivial issue, but add it to other housing issues like cold, damp, mould and children with respiratory illnesses and the problem becomes monumental for less fortunate families.

That's why BOP Healthy Homes confronted the issue and called on the support of the Bernina Sewing Club.

BOP Healthy Homes is a home health assessment programme for low income families. They do an assessment of a home and prepare an intervention plan.

The plan highlights issues around warmer, drier and healthier homes, and this can include insulation, ventilation and heating to relocation of a family if overcrowding is a problem.

Draught-proofing is a crucial aspect of the plan because draught-stoppers prevent cold air entering rooms from under the door and help reduce heat loss.

The Bernina Sewing Club, with its 100 members, were a perfect fit for making the double-sided door draught-stoppers. Material for the stoppers was donated by the Red Cross Curtain bank and members of the sewing club, while the foam inserts were purchased from NZ Foam and Rubber.

Healthy Homes also acknowledge retailers for helping with their plans – Gerrand Flooring, The Flooring Room and Carpet Court for mats and new carpet, Bunnings Warehouse for secondary glazing product for windows, Alsco Laundry for sheets and pillowcases, the Red Cross Curtain Bank and Good Neighbour Trust, who provide an invaluable service, and other charitable organisations who provide bedding, clothing, heaters and furniture to families in need.

If retailers would like to donate housing products to Healthy Homes, please email: bophealthyhomes@tcht.org.nz