August 11 , 2008

KINSALE, Ireland – A unique auction of works of art by more than 20 of Ireland’s top artists will help raise money to send volunteers to South Africa to build houses for impoverished shack-dwellers. The August 15 auction is a rare opportunity to buy an original work of art, while helping to provide housing for African families living in dreadful conditions. Auction catalog preview and live Internet bidding will be offered by www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Artists include Tim Goulding, Sarah Walker, Majella Collins O’Neill, Gillian Lawler, Siobhan McDonald, Ian Humphries, Beth O'Halloran, Dearbhail Connon, three sisters Ailbhe, Ester & Louise Barrett, Monica Boyle, Mark Baker, and Anna St George.

The Niall Mellon Township Trust was established in 2002 to provide homes to impoverished communities in townships throughout South Africa. This year’s “building blitz” will be the sixth in as many years, with a record number of volunteers flying from Ireland to South Africa as part of the largest ever overseas volunteer force out of Ireland, or perhaps anywhere. Apart from the annual influx of latter day Irish navies, there are nearly 2,000 township people employed full-time on the project, and the target for houses this year is 5,000.

"The Township Challenge is truly impressive. It's elegant in its conception, professional in its execution, gratifying in its results," said auction organizer Clem Cairns. “It is an edifying experience to help replace sordid little shacks with proper, safe houses for families to live in. You get to know some of the people, you love their humanity, admire their indomitable spirit, and you want their children to survive into adulthood.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has been a friend of the Naill Mellon Trust from the beginning. He has paid the Irish volunteers this tribute: "The speed your volunteers are changing our communities is breathtaking; your volunteers have the love of all our people."

Nelson Mandela maintains: “Your extraordinary efforts in bringing housing to our people clearly shows your unwavering support and belief in the future of South Africa.”

To view the fully illustrated auction catalog and place Internet bids please visit www.LiveAuctioneers.com.