Dozens of people took the opportunity to have a sneak peek into a police van or take control of a digger at the Big Wheels Day at Oamaru Racecourse yesterday.
Organisers did not have the final figures last night on how much money was raised or how many attended, but they did expect to do well out of the fundraiser.
Co-organiser Rihi Schultz said the money raised went into a collective pool of funds, but it was likely it would go towards teaching expenses.
The centre did receive some funding to operate but it was reliant on fundraising to cover costs, she said.
It was the third year the centre had held its Big Wheels Day.
''In a rural area, it's such a cool thing for kids to get out to.''
The day involved rides on miniature and working trucks and a bus, and for some children, the chance to operate a digger.
