Rebuild Christchurch Foundation auctions off photographs of famous stars’ empty Sanitarium Marmite jars via photographer Chris Sisarich

The Rebuild Christchurch Foundation has found a novel way to raise funds this Christmas, through auctioning photographs of empty Marmite jars donated by New Zealand celebrities including Rachel Hunter, Sir Graham Henry, Jaquie Brown and Trelise Cooper via renowned Kiwi photographer Christ Susarich.

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Sisarich, whose work has been exhibited at the MILK Gallery in New York, is collaborating with celebrities and the Rebuild Christchurch Foundation to capture images of 19 empty Marmite jars for a charity auction.

Says Sisarich: “The imagery inside each jar is extremely distinctive, it’s more than just an empty Marmite jar. It’s evident that everyone has been scraping at the bottom to get every last bit out – I know I have – and I hope that other Kiwis are taking a moment to reflect on the difficulties of the past two years for Christchurch as they reach the bottom of their jars.

“It fascinates me that something like Marmite, which is part of the daily routine for many Kiwis has been elevated to the realm of artwork since the shortage. It shows just how iconic Marmite is in New Zealand.”

One original photograph of each celebrity’s Marmite jar will be framed with a signed lid, ready for auction via www.abeautifulstruggle.co.nz from 30 November to 9 December. Bidding for the artwork is expected to be fierce, but everyone can contribute with limited edition prints available for $25 from 20 November to 9 December. All proceeds will go to the Rebuild Christchurch Foundation.

One Kiwi happy to help is Greer Robson‐Kirk.

Says Robson-Kirk: “I love indulging in Marmite, so it was great to be able to donate my jar for a good cause. Knowing that the savoured last jar sitting humbly in the pantry is now being used to raise funds for Christchurch families at Christmas is a fantastic feeling.”

Says Deon Swiggs, Rebuild Christchurch Foundation: “We are delighted to be partnering with Marmite lovers to raise funds for our Christmas initiative. Many people in Christchurch are

continuing to struggle following the earthquakes and can’t provide a Christmas celebration for their family as they have in the past.

“We will be working with social agencies to help families who need assistance but normally wouldn’t ask for it. Last Christmas we helped 76 families and this year we hope to support over 300.”

Says Pierre van Heerden, general manager for Sanitarium New Zealand: “It is wonderful to see these last, treasured Marmite reserves used to raise funds for the Christchurch community, especially as the current shortage results from earthquake damage to the factory.”