Once in a LifePod - an Avery charity event

Sir Ray Avery of Medicine Mondiale Photo/Jason Oxenham

Business, fashion, sports and fine-dining will combine this Thursday at Medicine Mondiale's Once in a LifePod event.

Ray and Anna Avery have spent the better part of 8 years developing the LifePod incubator - touted as being the most effective and cost efficient incubator designed mainly for third world countries.

As manufacturing of the pods begins, Medicine Mondiale is hosting a charity evening, aiming to raise $100,000 towards LifePod production.

Guests will be treated to fashion shows from Kiwi designers Trelise Cooper, Kathryn Wilson and Barkers while enjoying canapes, cocktails from The Gin Room and fine wine from Villa Maria and Invivo before the auction gets under way.

With a number of once-in-a-lifetime experiences up for grabs, this is a night not to be missed.

Medicine Mondiale's Once in a LifePod event will be held at EY on June 23

"Experiences [include] being whisked away on a chopper with Richie McCaw followed by lunch at Black Estate Winery; fly fishing escapes, personalised portraits by one of New Zealand's finest artists; an exclusive shopping experience with Kiwi shoe designer Kathryn Wilson; fabulous getaways with Porsche Cayenne and so much more," Anna said.

"It's fantastic that so many people are supporting Sir Ray in his efforts to improve infant mortality survival rates on a global scale."

Currently, incubators cost around $35,000 and require expensive on-going servicing and maintenance, which can be difficult in developing countries. The Mondiale LifePod incubator is designed to be indestructible, purifies its own air and water, costs just $2,000 and will run continuously without the need for replacement parts or maintenance by trained technicians.

"The generosity of so many great supporters has made preparing this event possible," Anna said. "We're overwhelmed with their kindness. It's incredibly humbling."

Tickets can be purchased from iTicket

Auction items include
• Helicopter ride for two in North Canterbury with Richie McCaw, followed by a three course lunch at Black Estate Winery
• A personal shopping experience with
Kathryn Wilson and beauty from Caci
• A years membership to Seafarers Club
• A sculpture from renowned sculptor Neil Dawson
• A one-off piece from fashion designer Trelise Cooper