The Whanganui Chamber of Commerce and Paralympics New Zealand teamed up last week for a special fundraiser for New Zealand's disabled athletes.
The Spirit Of Gold exhibition - a collection of paintings of para-athletes by artist Amber Stephens - was on display at Mud Ducks Cafe, and the Chamber of Commerce held an auction of items to raise money for para-athletes.
Rachel Froggatt from Paralympics New Zealand said the organisation was focussed on getting athletes to the Paralympics, to be held in September this year in Brazil, following the Olympic Games.
"But we also do a lot of work in the area of social change and in trying to increase understanding and acceptance of disability. So we use the success of our athletes to inspire people."
Ms Froggatt said Ms Stephens, an emerging artist, visited Paralympics New Zealand a year ago, bringing with her a portrait she had painted of swimmer Sophie Pascoe.