14 September 2011

Kiwi celebrities spring into action for human rights

As part of Amnesty International’s 50th Birthday celebrations, some of New Zealand’s most famous faces are standing up for human rights and donating to Amnesty International’s Grand Spring Auction launching on TradeMe this Thursday.

The auction will showcase items donated by many well-known Kiwi celebrities including Tiki Taane, P-Money, David Dallas, King Kapisi, Parachute Band, Shortland Street’s Kimberley Crossman, the cast of TV3’s Almighty Johnsons and renowned food author Annabel Langbein.

“People need to know that they have basic human rights in this world, they are there to protect us even if we do not know how to protect ourselves or understand the situations that we may be in and require protection,” says hip hop artist King Kapisi.

“I can see the work that Amnesty International do, so I feel it is an honour to be part of such a positive movement,” adds Kapisi.

The celebrities will be auctioning items and services including customised jewellery, clothing, signed albums, artworks, vouchers, gadgets, cook books and DVDs. The auctions also include a meet and greet with some of New Zealand’s most famous television faces.

Shortland Street star Kimberley Crossman says she identifies strongly with equal gender rights, an issue that is endemic throughout the Pacific.

“Although being a female hasn't hindered my success in my chosen career field, I am aware that in many countries and work places, this is not the case.”

“I have always wanted to help in some way to raise awareness to equal human rights. It's something that I feel passionate about, says Crossman.

The exclusive celebrity auction will run for two weeks beginning on the 15th of September. Amnesty International supporters have also offered to auction items on TradeMe throughout September and October.

Since 1961, Amnesty International has grown to be a movement of over 3 million supporters, members and activists working at the forefront of human rights issues in more than 150 countries and territories across the globe. Amnesty’s purpose is to protect people when their human rights are denied, calling for an end to the discrimination, persecution and harassment that individuals face.

Visit Amnesty’s TradeMe shop at http://www.trademe.co.nz/stores/amnesty-international

All proceeds from the auction will go towards Amnesty International to help fund its life-saving work for another 50 years.

ENDS

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