Arts for Charity auction raises K8000 for children

 THE Arts for Charity auction in Lae on Friday saw all 14 paintings sold to raise money for the  pediatric ward at Angau hospital.

About K8000 was raised on the night. 

A painting titled Faces of PNG by Winston Kawage Jr sold for K1650 – the highest price on the night. The initiator of the Arts for Charity, Steve Thornall, had engaged four Papua New Guineans for the paintings.

Thornall said he had fallen in love with people at Angau hospital and decided to add a bit of colour to their lives.

He said the main concern was to get some money raised for the pediatric surgeons.

He said the money was to save the lives of children with hydrocephalus. 

“When you see a child with big balloon head and eyes poking out and does not touch you, you are a hard person,” he said.

“Beautiful kids here, been greeted every morning and afternoon with handshakes that really touched me – something we do not get in Australia. 

“Starting a little step to do something for Papua New Guinea is my way of saying thank you for making me feel welcome.”

Thornall said the artists donated their time and talent for the worthy cause.

He thanked them for their participation.