Mirza's Curry Favour for Researchers in Need

This month sees the return of the annual auction to help researchers who have fallen on hard times, run by the UK's Market Research Benevolent Association (MRBA). Prizes include MR conference and football tickets, as well as access to the culinary skills of one of the industry's best known salespeople.

Founded in 1977, the MRBA is funded by donations from across the market research sector, and provides financial help, advice and support to people who are working or have worked in the industry. Its annual auction is the charity's most important fundraising event, and this year runs until 26th March. Donations are still being accepted, and new lots are being added all the time.

Items included in this year's event include a holiday let in France, a Chelsea football match ticket, fine wines, tickets to ESOMAR 2015 and the MRS Conference 2016, afternoon tea at the Wolseley, and a professional photo shoot by an award-winning photographer. Among the more unusual items up for grabs is the opportunity to have a curry for six people prepared in your own home by Kinesis European MD Tariq Mirza.

In a statement, the MRB said: 'We receive no government assistance. This auction is our major annual fundraising event and we hope to smash last year's record takings of £10k. With your help, we can continue to provide interest-free loans and grants, as well as financial advice and support to a dozen or so people every month.'

The charity is online at: www.mrba.org.uk and details of the auction can be found at: www.32auctions.com/mrba2015 .