Orphans Aid International in the Press

A Timaru mother and daughter are putting their talents to use in aid of orphans in Russia and Romania.

Angela Bennison and her mother, Jan Simmons, took up an offer of shop space in Stafford St from First National Real Estate to sell their handmade jewellery and homegrown bonsai plants.

The shop, beside the estate agency, will be open until Friday. The women will give 15 per cent of their takings to Orphans Aid International.

Mrs Bennison, who sponsors four children in orphanages in Russia and Romania, said the organisation hoped to raise about $6000 in New Zealand.

Funds would provide gifts and fresh fruit to children in its ophanages in Russia, Romania and India, Mrs Bennison said.

Last year she and Mrs Simmons collected about $700 in donations at supermarkets. This year they decided to sell some of their crafts – Mrs Bennison makes jewellery, while her mother grows miniature trees.

The art of bonsai – living art – orginated in Japan. Mrs Simmons has been developing her skills for 30 years and is an accredited bonsai master. The plants come from her personal collection.

Orphans Aid International was founded by Invercargill woman Sue van Schreven.