The first round of celebrity charity auctions to benefit two schools damaged in the devastating Christchurch earthquake ended last night, with a new round starting today.
Stars 4 Kids has been set up to raise funds for two Christchurch schools, Shirley Primary and Avonside Girls’ High, both badly damaged in the February 22nd earthquake that killed over 160 people and left thousands without homes and jobs. The auction will be run through New Zealand’s #1 auction site – Trade Me – and can also be accessed by Australia.
The auction that just ended saw a signed photo of Johnny Depp go under the hammer for over NZ$500, a rugby league hat signed by Russell Crowe go for NZ$266, a book signed by British Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson sell for NZ$102, while DVDs and a hat signed by The Mentalist star Simon Baker brought in NZ$200. Other items included a calendar signed by Kylie Minogue, which reached NZ$103, and items from Colin Firth (Best Lead Actor in The King’s Speech), Geoffrey Rush, Donald Trump, Sir Ian McKellen, Guy Pearce and Status Quo.
The new auction, which runs until 30, features an original storyboard from Wolverine signed by Hugh Jackman, a DVD signed by The Hobbit star James Nesbitt, a cap and photo signed by Jeff Probst, a book signed by Ruby Wax, Top Gear DVDs signed by Jeremy Clarkson, a photo signed by Simon Cowell, a CD signed by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, items signed by Jimmy Barnes, a photo taken by Sarah Ferguson, a book signed by Shane Warne and much more.
tars 4 Kids has been organised by Christchurch mother Mandy Cook, whose children attend both schools. Mandy was formerly a publicist with Network TEN Sydney during the late 80’s and 90’s before returning to Christchurch in the late 90’s. “I wanted to help in some way just like many other New Zealanders’ are doing. I’m very lucky that I can access some of these people and incredibly thankful to all my ex-colleagues and friends around the world who have helped secure these amazing items. People like Jonathon Coleman, ex Virgin Radio, Heart FM and BBC London, also Lyndel Harrison from the Lyric Hammersmith London have been amazing. Unfortunately the UK cannot access Trade Me, but if someone has contacts in either Australia or New Zealand they can get them to bid on their behalf.”
The auction can be accessed here.
