One of the organisers, Meg Tickle, said donated items from local businesses including designer hand bags, meals and vouchers would be auctioned to raise money for the school.

“The funds will go directly to St Judes School to be spent on food for children, uniforms, educational material, school infrastructure and medicine,” Miss Tickle said.

She said the school was for children facing extreme poverty.

“In 2002, Gemma Rice (now Gemma Sisia), originally from a sheep farm in Guyra, opened a small school in Northern Tanzania with the help of her family, friends and local Rotary Club,” Miss Tickle said.

“What started with only a handful of children and one teacher is now in 2009 a thriving school of almost 1200 children, 130 teachers and 200 staff.”

She said the auction, to be hosted by Darrell Tickle and Ben Sharpe, would include all sorts of items, and she called on people to bring along items on the day to help raise funds.

People can also hold stalls at the event through a donation of some of their profits.

A barbecue and fairyfloss will be available and Gemma Sisia’s autobiography will be on sale, with Tenterfield Bookcase donating just over $1000 if all books are sold.

B For more information, contact Meg Tickle on 0414 262 599 or to find out more about St Judes, visit www.schoolofstjude.co.tz