Early bird sale gets pupils step closer to China

It was an early start for Rotorua's Elmiger family yesterday but it was all worth it - their school trip to China is one step closer to reality.

About 100 staff, students and family members are planning a trip to China in September where they are to meet members of their sister school in Nanjing and visit a few tourist sites.

Eleven-year-old student Olivia Elmiger said she woke up at 4.45am to get ready for the fundraising garage sale that started at 7am at the school.

They sold clothes, golf clubs, baking - and "some stuff we got from Nana's house".

"I'm really looking forward to the trip, I really want to see the Great Wall," Olivia said.

Garage sale organiser and Stafford House team leader Debbie Law said it was a slower day than they had hoped for but most of the families raised between $200 to $300 before they closed up shop at midday.

"We normally hold these on a Saturday ... they were a lot more successful so we'll be holding the next one on a Saturday.

"Apart from that it's been a good day and a great way to raise money," she said.

She said the school had nine classes learning the most common language spoken in China, Mandarin.

The school is also putting on a fundraising quiz night at The Shed on Amohau St tomorrow night from 7pm. Entry is $10 per person. First prize is a $200 bar tab donated by The Shed owner Reg Hennessy.