Paintings to raise funds

 AN Australian is organising a painting exhibition on Friday in Lae to raise funds for children suffering from brain swelling at the Angau Memorial Hospital.

Steve Thornall is the project manager for the refurbishment of three 50-bed wards at the hospital.

He has already organised an art competition where prizes were given to the top three best entries.

Thornall is now organising the charity art auction for children suffering from Hydrocephalus (water in the brain) at the hospital children’s ward.

“I saw the need to help because every morning all the people at Angau wave and smile at me and they are such beautiful people,” he said.

“This is my way of saying thank you for making me welcome. 

“I am going back to Australia next week to start a new job with another company.

“Maybe I will come back every year to do this and make it a big charitable event which will be my way of helping Papua New Guineans.”

He said the proceeds from the auction would go to the children’s paediatric section but mainly to assist children with the ailment who cannot afford the operation. 

He said there were 10 people waiting to have the operation but lacked funding.

“Having grand children myself, it makes me want to do something and this is the best idea I can come up with,” Thornall said.

He said he hoped the exhibition would make at least some funds that will help save the lives of children who suffer Hydrocephalus.

Thornall is appealing to people who love art to come to the event where 15 paintings will put up for auction. 

“If you love art and painting, you are welcome to be part and participant of the exihibition as it is for a worthy cause to serve lives,” he said.

“At least your participation and contribution in this charity event will have some impact on the children in one way or the other.”

Tickets are selling at K10.