Child patients help fundraise (+video)

An array of items and a selection of children's artwork is up for grabs at the annual Professionals McDowell Real Estate Child Cancer Charity Breakfast and Art Auction.

There are 14 pieces of artwork to be auctioned off at the event tomorrow morning, created by local children living with cancer.

McDowell Real Estate rental manager Carol de Farias said many of the children who had done the artwork would be at the breakfast.

"They just want to give something back to the Child Cancer [Foundation] for what they do for families."

She said a lot of items had come in all at once and they have more auction items than they did last year.

"Everyone's always been really generous."

Three weeks ago she had gone to a staff meeting and said she was concerned they did not have enough items, now she was concerned about having enough time, she said.

"It's a pretty spectacular effort from people that have donated."

Last year the event raised more than $30,000 and it would be nice to raise more this year, she said.

She said they were getting down to the last few tickets now, but there were still a few in the bank.

Kehu Marino, 12, a John Paul College student, will be shaving his head at the event, and has raised up to $1150 so far, she said.

This will be the 23rd year of the annual charity event and is being held from 7am to 8.30am at the Distinction Hotel.

The morning will also include spot prizes, raffles and silent auctions.

- Those people interested in buying a ticket, or are unable to make it to the event but would like to make a bid by telephone can call Carol de Farias on (07)348 4159.