Hand-some support for Kelsey fundraiser

Pauline Palu (3), of Kelsey Yaralla Kindergarten, sits among cardboard cut-out hands decorated by high profile New Zealanders which will be auctioned to raise funds for the kindergarten. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

That is why Kelsey Yaralla Kindergarten is auctioning hand-shaped cardboard cut-outs which have been decorated or signed by prominent New Zealanders.

Already, hands have been returned from All Black captain Richie McCaw, Prime Minister John Key, Olympic cyclist Alison Shanks and television personality Mark Ellis.

Kindergarten mum Juanita Meeuws was delighted to have also received a drawing of the Beehive by Mr Key and a pair of Jockey underwear from All Black Dan Carter, which will also be auctioned.

"They're limited edition Jockeys. They've been touched, but not worn. Does that make a difference?"

Mrs Meeuws said hands had also been sent to Hollywood celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Hugh Jackman, Sam Neill and Naomi Watts, but they had yet to return them.

"Hands are one of our greatest tools, and we can draw on so many useful cliches to support this in a positive community way.

"We are more than aware that many hands make light work, so what we're asking is for you to turn your hand - dab hands or not - and give us a hand to help create what we hope to be an exciting community event ..."

Mrs Meeuws said Kelsey Yaralla was one of the first kindergartens in Dunedin, opened in 1920, and it was hoped the art auction on September 1 would both increase the children's awareness of the arts and raise funds, which would assist the kindergarten in its future endeavours and maintenance.

- john.lewis@odt.co.nz