Inspired by a television documentary, two Te Puke-born sisters have pooled their talents in an event to raise money for abandoned or orphaned children in Romania.
To Romania with Love will feature classically-trained soloist Hannah Cliff, 16, and journalist Rob Harley, who travelled to Romania to film the documentary Someone, Somewhere Loves Me which screened on TV One earlier this year.
A charity auction will also be held, including donated works by local artists and a weekend getaway to Auckland's SkyCity.
The documentary followed the work of Sue and Carl van Schreven, founders of the charitable trust, Orphan's Aid International.
The couple, who live in Queenstown with their two children, have started a home to care for abandoned children in Romania.
Casa Kiwi is home to 15 children, nine of whom have been either adopted by Romanian families or reintegrated with their natural families. One teenager has become independent.
The idea for the Tauranga fundraiser grew from a telephone conversation between Miss Cliff and her sister, Meg Cowan, 26, who both watched the documentary independently.
"We were talking, just about how moving it was and how we can't imagine children left like that and not cared for," said Mrs Cowan.
"We thought surely we can do something."
Since childhood Mrs Cowan has had an affinity with orphan children and, after graduating from Te Puke High School, spent a ``gap' year working in an orphanage in Hong Kong.
"I just really wanted to do something to make a difference," she said.
Mrs Cowan, who is a mother herself, said she and her two sisters were always taught to put themselves in others shoes.
"To look outside of ourselves and that the world wasn't all about us," she said.
To Romania with Love will be held at Tauranga Boys' College Theatre on Thursday. Tickets are available at John's Photo Pharmacy in Tauranga or from Gift'Rapt in Te Puke.
Alternatively contact Meg Cowan on (021) 988 644 to reserve your tickets and pay cash at the door.
To Romania with love from Te Puke
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