In February Suzi Merson's was life changed forever when a serious car crash left her barely alive.
The Havelock North woman suffered a dozen broken bones, internal injuries and a severe trauma that required one leg to be amputated below the knee.
Now her friends in Havelock North, where she had her framing business, are pulling out all the stops to help her in the next chapter of her life journey.
"Framed for Suzi" is a fundraising project that includes an art auction of 40 works with all proceeds going to Suzi.
Many of the artists that Suzi has worked with over the years, from all around New Zealand, have donated a piece of work. Artists include World of Wearable Arts 2014 supreme winner Kate MacKenzie and Bridget Morrison. Local artists such as Richard Brimer and Rae West have also contributed.
The artworks will be sold via an online auction and under the hammer at a fundraiser dinner at the Havelock North Function Centre on September 20. The auction dinner is a sell-out with more than 220 tickets snapped up.
Led by Havelock North business people John 'Mac' Macpherson and Aimee Stewart, Framed for Suzi is aiming to raise $50 000. In addition to the art auction, many Havelock North businesses are running individual in-store raffles, with all proceeds going to Suzi as well.
John Macpherson said the decision to help Suzi was an easy one.
"She has been our business neighbour for years and when one of the team falls you do what you can to pick them up. This is one of those times"
Aimee Stewart was full of praise for the Havelock North community spirit.
"Everyone has pitched in to make this art auction happen. Wine and venue hire, art photography, printing the art catalogue and even building the auction website has all been done for free by local businesses wanting to do their bit.
"Hours of time have also been given to get this off the ground so it just shows how much Suzi means to the community"
In the midst of her recovery, Suzi had to sell her beloved "Edges" framing business.