12 September 2013 Highest bids lend the biggest hand

Lincoln University’s Future Leader Scholarship students are up to their charitable ways once again; this time organising a charity auction and social event to raise funds for youth counselling and advocacy organisation, Youthline. In particular, the focus will be on the serious yet largely under-reported issue of youth suicide.

It’s all part of Lend a Hand; a component of the Future Leader Scholarship that the students themselves initiated in 2011.

The objective of Lend a Hand is to look for ways to make a meaningful contribution to the community. From past initiatives, the students have raised some $45,000 for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ, the Burwood Spinal Unit, and the Van Asch Deaf Education Centre.

This year’s event is to be held at Show Gate, Riccarton Park on the evening of Friday 27 September.

Just some of the items up for grabs in the charity auction include a stay at the luxurious Hei Matau Lodge on Waikehe Island; personal styling with Annah Stretton for ten people (valued at $3500); a Canterbury Crusaders rugby jersey; a case of Greystone Sauvignon blanc; bottles of whiskey; and a range of items such as a Klippan woollen blanket, Sleepyhead pillows, fragrance packs, hair salon vouchers, and much more.

The evening will include music from local youth bands as well as food and refreshments. Guest speaker will be the principal organiser of the Student Volunteer Army, Sam Johnson, with the General Manager of Canterbury Rugby League, Craig Kerr, as Master of Ceremonies.

One of the event organisers, Lincoln University Future Leader Scholarship student, Kate Murray-Cawte is hoping for a good turnout on the night.

“Obviously youth suicide is a serious social issue, and so what we are trying to do here is raise funds and community awareness to go some way to help young people reach out for help,” says Kate.

“However, we want to do this in a really positive way. The evening should be a lot of fun, but we really need people to come along. In buying a ticket, they can feel good that they’ve done their bit toward a great cause and have also signed up to a great night.”

Tickets can be purchased for $50 a head or $450 for a table of ten from Dash Tickets.