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MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
18 October 2006

Canterbury Artists join fight against child abuse

More than 45 Canterbury artists are showing their support for the fight against child abuse, donating artworks to 'heART for Children' - an art auction for Family Help Trust.

The auction is being held at St Margaret's College Gymnasium at 7.00pm on 12 November 2006.

Among the art on offer is a painting, 'Allegory of Fame' by renowned Canterbury artist Kees Bruin as well as works by City Councillor Sally Buck, Kelvin McMillan, Grant Esplin and Rae West.

Family Help Trust spokesperson Dr. Annabel Taylor says this is the Trust's major fundraiser for the year and it is vital Cantabrians get behind it.

"We are a most successful Trust at tackling child abuse in New Zealand. A recent evaluation of our services was the first to show that ultra high-risk families can make positive changes towards preventing child abuse," says Dr Taylor.

"Since 1990, Family Help Trust has been in contact with more than 600 at-risk Canterbury families. We now have evidence to show our home-based, intervention services are working so it is therefore vital that we get the funding to continue our work," says Dr Taylor.

'heART for Children' is being run in conjunction with St Margaret's College Old Girls' Association. Auctioneer Bryan Andrews will auction 50 original works on 12 November 2006, with a silent auction being conducted with another 50.

"This is a collection of styles and media and an opportunity for someone to invest in their future by buying an artwork and to help reduce New Zealand's appalling child abuse rate at the same time," concluded Dr Taylor.

ENDS

For further information contact Phil Roberts
Chambers PR
(03) 377 0147 or 027 282 4548

Dr Annabel Taylor
(03) 364 2444 or 0274 477 183