MRBA Auction Kicks Off

The Market Research Benevolent Association (MRBA) is calling for donations for its annual charity auction, which raises funds to help research industry execs and their families who have fallen on hard times. This year's event will run from 9am on 23rd February to 9pm on 16th March.

Founded in 1977, the MRBA is the sector's only registered, independent UK charity; funded entirely by donations, and lending its support to those who have worked in the industry and are facing financial difficulties. Since its formation 40 years ago, MRBA has supported more than 1,000 colleagues and given out more than £1m, and last year's auction - the association's key fundraising activity - raised just over £7,000.

So far, lots for the forthcoming auction include items such as a five-day stay in a farmhouse in Percy, France; a bottle of House of Commons Speaker's whisky; a baby's hand-knitted jumper; a one-week stay in an apartment near Southwold, Suffolk; an invitation to Chelsea Football Club; and a voucher to dine at Scott's restaurant in Mayfair. Most prized is the opportunity to bid for a curry for six people, prepared in your own home by industry legend Tariq Mirza. Last year, former NOP/GfK exec Mike Cooke placed the winning bid of £145 for Mirza's services (pictured), offered through his strategic growth consultancy Deliver MR Ltd.

MRBA fundraiser Linda Henshall says new lots will be added to the web site as they are submitted, and suggests that the event is a 'great chance to pick up a bargain', while helping a colleague in financial need. Auction items can be viewed at: goo.gl/FVPZRW , you don't need to work in the industry to participate, and donation pledges can be e-mailed to: linda.henshall@newfieldwork.co.uk .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.