Toothpaste, twinkle-toes and tunes: Plunkets fundraising week

A year’s supply of toothpaste, rare signed copies of a new New Zealand Christmas CD, and a lesson with a dance floor darling are some of the items in a charity auction aimed at raising funds as part of Plunket’s national fundraising week.

Plunket is asking people to keep an eye out in their local areas for staff and volunteers doing their bit to raise funds for one of New Zealand’s best-loved not-for-profit organisations.

Plunket commercial manager Brendan Holland says fundraising week is a valuable part of Plunket’s ongoing efforts to deliver the best start for every New Zealand child.

Dancing With the Stars darling Nerida Cortese, who with celebrity partner Monty Betham danced for Plunket in the 2008 season of the show, has donated a one hour dance lesson for two people in her Auckland studio to the auction.

She and actor husband Shane Cortese have a son, Kees, and are extremely grateful for Plunket support, she says.

“It’s something like a godsend really and our Plunket nurse was like an angel knocking on my front door. With your first child you don’t really know what you’re doing and to have someone telling you you’re doing a good job is fantastic.”

Merry Christmas Baby is a newly launched fundraising CD featuring some of New Zealand’s best-loved artists singing new and classic Christmas songs. The CD is available from local Plunkets, all good music stores and at www.merrychristmasbaby.co.nz

Proceeds from Merry Christmas Baby will support local Plunket initiatives.

Plunket’s national fundraising week starts on Monday and runs until 19 October. To view the auction items visit www.trademe.co.nz/plunket

Please note that anyone collecting for Plunket during fundraising week will be identifiable as an official collector.