Lego® has come a long way since it originated in the Danish workshop of Ole Kirk Christiansen, who began making wooden toys in 1932.The first plastic brick was produced in 1949 before the world-famous signature brick with interlocking studs on the top and tubes on the bottom was patented in 1958.
Since then, kids of all ages (LEGO even has a specific range just for adults!) have indulged their imaginations and creativity to produce things that exist only in their wildest dreams. LEGO is a passion and none more so than for Toni and Chris Edwards, owners of New Zealand Home Loans (NZHL) Papakura.
“I have always loved constructing things with LEGO bricks, it is a source of relaxation and mindfulness to let your imagination run wild with creation, I love starting out with just a pile of coloured bricks and turning them into something that creates joy and pleasure to interact with and admire.”
Such is the extent of their passion that when the opportunity to create a display for Papakura Business Association annual shop window competition came about Toni and Chris jumped at the chance, not only for the month of the competition but every month since then. Seeing the pleasure, it gave the community Toni wanted to take it even further and in May organized for Robin Sather, LEGO’s first ever Certified LEGO Professional to come to their shop and host an event for the local community.
Over 50 children were given the opportunity to spend time with Robin, letting their creativity run wild, culminating in the judging of a competition run by Toni and Chris where prizes and accolades were in the offing. The afternoon was a huge hit and Toni and Chris were thrilled with the outcome.
“It was an amazing time, such a happy event, so wonderful to see so many kids and parents enjoying the delights that LEGO can provide, Robin is a total expert and he even said how much he enjoyed spending time with the kids and seeing the benefits it provides.”
Toni and Chris hope to continue with their LEGO journey and invite everyone to keep an eye on their shop window and Facebook page for more events in the future.
Disclaimer: the LEGO event was a community event run by NZHL. Any further events run by or in conjunction with NZHL have no association with any part of the LEGO brand.