'It's just wonderful, wonderful,” are the words Te Puna Quarry Park society founder uttered when handed a cheque for $936.

The money was raised at the Tauranga Farmers Market this morning, which celebrated its 12th birthday today.

Te Puna Quarry volunteers Ata Ellery, Shirley Sparks, and Shona Purves with the cakes.

Te Puna Quarry Park society founder Shirley Sparks says the money raised from the market's raffle will go towards any quarry developments.

This includes ongoing developments because 'a garden goes on forever, if you can call it a garden”.

The money will go to the committee initially who will then decide whether or not to put it towards art work or maintenance of tracks. 'It's 82 acres, so we need 82 volunteers to come and help us keep it in order and develop it,” says Shirley.

'They don't need gardening skills because they learn them onsite. What's more, they don't need to go to the gym because it can be their exercise pad.”

Shirley says volunteering is not only about pulling weeds and maintaining the park.

She says it's also about the friendship, the companionship and the new experience of working with people all around you and the fun.

'It's just lovely. They are wonderful volunteers.

'You can always find them because you can hear the chatter and the laughter.”

People wanting to volunteer can arrive at the quarry on a Tuesday morning anytime between 8.30am and 9.30am.

'We will welcome them.”

$936 donated to the quarry.

Te Puna Quarry society founder Shirley Sparks and volunteer Alf Rendell.

The hamper winner.