Auction Date: Friday 13th March 2009
Please donate lots to the auction

Every Australian will have been deeply impacted by the devastation caused by bushfires in Victoria over the past few days. International media coverage has also brought home to our overseas friends the enormity of this disaster. We have experienced bad fires many times in the past. But, by most measures, the current situation is our worst ever.

Personally, we know people who have lost their homes and even their lives. Several of our clients are already known to have been affected.

Our hearts go out to all those touched by this disaster. However, at Prestige Philately, we can do more than just grieve with the victims. Already an enormous relief operation has commenced and we are asking you to help us make a significant financial contribution to that cause.

On Friday March 13th we will hold a special auction to raise funds for the relief efforts. The auction will be conducted without buyer or vendor commissions and every cent generated will be donated to the Red Cross Bushfire Relief Fund.

Our goal is to raise a large five-figure sum. Even 100 lots at $200 each will generate $20,000. Surely, between us we can do a lot better than that.

PLEASE DONATE MATERIAL

To start the ball rolling, Prestige Philately will contribute at least $5000 worth of lots. We will also donate the full value of all lots sold, with no deduction for commission or expenses.

Your donated material should have some redeeming value! We’re happy to have carton lots, and all donations will be accepted. However, all lots will be offered without reserve to ensure that everything sells on the day.

c. 1888 'STAMP DUTY' stamp-size handpainted essay being an unadopted design for the 1/6d value, in lake on thin card (56x54mm). Ex Peter Jaffe. Estimate $2000. Donated by Prestige Philately.

Material for this auction must be in our hands by the end of February. Because we are already stretched time-wise, it would help us greatly if you could provide a description and a conservative estimate of value for each lot. Please also advise if you would like your lots to be accompanied by the statement "Donated by [your name]".

We will issue a receipt for your consignment, indicating the material has been received for the charity auction. After the sale, you will receive a formal vendor advice showing the figures for which your lots(s) have sold. (You can use these documents to claim a tax deduction for the full amount involved.)

The catalogue for the charity auction will be available on-line from Tuesday 10th March and we will upload starting prices in the usual way.

Viewing will be possible on Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th March between 10am and 8pm each day. On sale day, viewing will be from 9am until 5pm, and the auction will commence at 6pm.

A basic printed catalogue will be available for viewers and all who personally attend the auction.

We commend this project to you and encourage your heartfelt support. For those who prefer to make a financial contribution rather than material for the auction, your donation can be accepted by cash, cheque, or credit card. (No fee will be added for donations made by Visa or MasterCard.) We will issue receipts that can be used to support any claim for a tax deduction.

Please be generous in helping us to support the devastated families and communities of rural Victoria.

Please contact us for more information and to donate lots:

Tel: (03) 9754-7666, Fax: (03) 9754-7677
Intl: Tel: +61 3 9754-7666, Fax: +61 3 9754-7677

PO Box 126
Belgrave Vic 3160
AUSTRALIA

e-mail: info@prestigephilately.com