Charity auction raises more than $33,000 for Christchurch earthquake appeal

Organisers of a charity auction held in Blenheim last Thursday night say they are overwhelmed with the generosity of Marlborough people.

Sophie McLernon and Kate Cameron put together the event in just over a week, selling close to 200 tickets and arranging nearly 50 items for auction.

On the night more than $33,000 was raised for the Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Fund.

“From the beginning when we first suggested the idea of a charity auction, we were amazed at how many people supported us,” Ms McLernon said. “From the Blenheim Club who donated the venue, through to the many people who donated items, it has been a humbling experience.”

With items ranging from an historic pump organ, through to a Wildebeest Skin, Ms McLernon said nearly everything went for well above its value.

“People were so generous on the night, they got right into the spirit of it.”

A home barista package, was the most expensive item to sell, going under the hammer for $2600, followed by a Nicolas Dillon painting that sold for $2400.

Given Marlborough’s proximity to Christchurch, Kate Cameron says there is a great deal of empathy for what the city has suffered.

“We all know someone who lives in Christchurch and we all want to be able to do something to help. I guess the auction gave many people the chance to do just that.”

The $33,000 was well above what the organisers had been expecting to raise, which they put down to the generosity of all those that supported the event.