June 27, 2007

Aucklanders for Aucklanders

Following on from the success of last year’s inaugural Auckland City Mission TradeMe auction, top celebrities are again joining with other Aucklanders to raise money for the Auckland City Mission’s Winter Appeal by offering themselves – and various services – to the highest bidders.

Snowboarding, dance or guitar lessons, rejuvenating weekends on the Coromandel, a custom-built website, or your very own home handyman – these are just some of the things on offer at the Auckland City Mission’s auction site on TradeMe from Monday, July 9.

Money raised will go towards food, clothing and other services for the city’s most marginalized families and individuals.

This year’s auctions offer a range of unique services/products. Among them, Karen Walker will design a piece of jewellery for the highest bidder– and name it after them; Rodney Wayne is personally offering to do a complete hair makeover at one of his salons; Jack Bourke will sing the winner’s favourite arias over dinner at Mollies, with a night in the hotel to follow; Bill Hohepa will provide a fishing experience of a lifetime; Simon Gault will design a menu for four in consultation with the auction winner, cook it with them, then join the winner and two friends for a leisurely meal; Cushla Whetton is offering a spin in her racing car…

Auckland City Missioner Diane Robertson sees the auction as an opportunity for everyone to benefit – the people and services being traded on TradeMe, those winning them with the highest bids – and the people in need of food and clothing to see them through the winter months.

“The Auction is a great example of Aucklanders for Aucklanders. People give of themselves to help others in the community in need,” she says. “Winter is a very difficult time of year for many Aucklanders. The Mission’s TradeMe auction is a fun way of helping them out.”

The auction will run for three weeks on www.trademe.co.nz/acm. People can also donate money to the Auckland City Mission Winter Appeal by credit card or direct debit online or by downloading a form and posting it in (www.aucklandcitymission.org.nz); by ringing 0900 42825 or 379 2395; or posting a donation directly to the Auckland City Mission, PO Box 5352, Wellesley Street. Food, clothing or bedding can be collected by phoning 377 4322, or dropped off at the Mission, 140 Hobson St, Auckland City.

ENDS

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