Trends Kitchens Nelson branch manager, Grant MacPherson, with one of the types of kitchens that have been donated. Photo: Jacqui Rawson.

Auction items now total $50,000

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The community behind Nelson College students are not letting uncertain times stop their generous giving for a significant cause – donating $50,000 worth of prizes.

Nelson College students are organising a fundraising auction to help raise awareness of mental health issues.

The Key to Life Charitable Trust, which seeks to effect a social change towards how people view youth suicide, will be the recipient. Its founder, comedian Mike King, will be the guest of honour on the night.

Local businesses have swung their support behind the event and amassed prize donations to the value of $50,000.

“The generosity keeps coming and it keeps surprising me every time, it’s actually very humbling,” says auction organiser Steve Page.

“Going out and asking people for donations is not always an easy task and certainly not in the current climate.”

Trends Kitchens are the auction’s lead sponsor who have donated the design and installation of a top-of-the-line kitchen fit-out worth $20,000.

“It was a privilege to be asked to support this cause and I’m proud to be able to support a charity that is so deserving as this,” says Trends Kitchens Nelson branch manager, Grant MacPherson.

Other impressive donations include a one-day hunting trip to Glazebrook Station, Blenheim, with airlift by Helicopters Nelson.

Another is the latest Shimano 9000S electric package – fishing rod, reel and braid – from Hunting and Fishing Richmond.

“It’s a worthwhile cause that we’re so proud to be supporting and to be involved with,” says the owner of Hunting and Fishing Richmond, Mike Darling.

Other donations include a seven day hire of a 6-berth motorhome hire from Discover New Zealand, a $3000 bed from Bed Post, equipment from Sound Systems, Richmond Mall vouchers, and a year’s supply of eggs.

The family of one of the Nelson College students have also provided a two-night apartment stay in Nelson, inclusive of meals, to the value of $1000.

Nelson MP Nick Smith has also offered a four-course meal for four at Bellamy’s Restaurant in Wellington and a private tour of Parliament as a prize.

The event is on Thursday, September 24, at 7pm in the Nelson College hall.

Tables at the auction are limited to 35, which are selling fast. Tickets, which include canapes and drinks, can be bought through the Nelson College office, contact 03- 548 3099. Costs are $400 for a table of 10, and single tickets are $45.

If you’d like to offer your support in some way, even if it’s to help out on the night, please give Steve Page a call on 0275 449 448.

If you or anyone you know needs to reach out contact either of these organisations; Lifeline, 0800 543 354, Suicide Crisis Helpline, 0508 828 865 both of which are available 24/7. Or if it’s an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.