NATIONAL WOODSKILLS TRUST
Kevin McCardell was about as low as you can go when he picked up a knife and whittled a piece of driftwood. He entered his first carving into the National Woodskills Competition at WoodFest where it did pretty well. Now, a few years later, his life has changed dramatically. He has been a demonstrator, exhibitor and a judge at the event and sells his unique pieces around the world. Kevin reckons the National Woodskills Competition which The Lion Foundation helped fund hast year, has helped locals like him hugely. "It's a great competition and a credit to the guys who run it," he says. "It drives the Kawerau community, it really keeps it going." It kept Kevin going too, helping him get his life back on track and inspiring him to "try for a spot at the top of the heap".
