he sense of sound has made a huge difference in New Plymouth toddler Vann Cleaver's life.
The profoundly deaf and sight-impaired 11-month-old received a $50,000 government-funded cochlear implant in May, which has given him the ability to hear the voices and sounds of those around him.
After the first implant's success, the Cleaver family has been on a whirlwind of fundraising ventures to raise a further $50,000 so Vann can experience it all in stereo.
Vann's mum Abbey said the first implant had given him the ability to respond to them, and another one would only make what he can already hear, clearer.
"It's made a big difference to Vann.
"It's worth everything to get one for his other ear," she said.
An online auction, numerous donations, and Mrs Cleaver shaving her head had already raised $26,000, and they are hoping a monster garage sale this weekend will contribute to the remaining $24,000.
Mrs Cleaver said items from the community had been flooding in as they prepared for the garage sale.
"We've got everything. There's clothes, toys, electronics, furniture, and we've still got a few days to go. I think all this stuff will clear out pretty quick on Saturday," she said.
With Vann set to celebrate his first birthday next Friday, Mrs Cleaver said raising the remainder of the money would be a nice way to round off what had been a tough year.
"It's been a rough year for him. He's had four operations so it's been rough, but he copes really well."
Vann also has a number of other health problems including a hole in his heart, enlarged kidneys, low muscle tone, and no use of his large bowel.
"There's not much we can do for all of those things, we can't fix them, so if we can give him two ears then we will do that," she said.
The garage sale will take place at 3 Davidson St this Saturday from 8am to 1pm.
