FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The generosity of an avid U2 fan has today seen $1,230 being donated to development agency Oxfam New Zealand. Concert goer Claire Keam caught a kite released by U2's front man Bono during one of the band's Auckland concerts last week, and promptly put it on Trade Me in a bid to raise money for Oxfam.

The week long auction finished at 2.40pm today, the kite bought by Trade Me user 'paitid'.

"I'm stoked that we've been able to raise some money for Oxfam," says Keam. "I'll miss having the kite on our wall, but knowing that the sale of it will mean that the money will be used to help people that are so much less fortunate than us is brilliant."

Barry Coates, Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand is looking forward to meeting Claire and her husband Hayden. "They have been remarkably generous, and it will be great to discuss with them how the funds raised will make a huge difference to people living in poverty."

A large portion of Oxfam New Zealand's income comes from members of the public and all of them have their own story of commitment to poverty reduction.

"This is a particularly delightful story of how an individual can seize an opportunity to fight for better lives for the world's poor," says Coates.

"We want to thank not only Claire and Hayden, but the thousands of New Zealanders who support our work," adds Coates. "The change we see throughout the world because of the commitment of individual kiwis is inspiring."

For more information on donating to Oxfam New Zealand please call 0800 600 700 or go to www.oxfam.org.nz /ENDS

ENDS

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