Thank you Ganesh and Lyndi!

Ganesh Cherian, who owns Lower-Hutt based Glover Memorials with his wife Lyndi, was the winning bidder in the Trade Me auction of John Key’s cast. We’d like to say a very big thank you to Ganesh, Lyndi, and their five boys – Kaden (11), Eli (9), Tazman (8), Riley (5) and Baxter (3) – for their selfless action and valuable contribution to our work in the Solomon Islands this year.

We asked Ganesh what prompted him to support our cause:

Carmel, Ganesh, Lyndi and John at cast and cheque handover

Ganesh and Lyndi Cherian with Prime Minister John Key and FHFNZ Executive Director Carmel Williams at the official cast hand over ceremony in Wellington, 11 February 2009

FHFNZ: How did you hear about the auction?

Ganesh: I first heard about the auction via radio, and followed it as it progressed. Obviously this had become quite high profile with the Prime Minister doing something quite unusual.

FHFNZ: Had you heard about The Fred Hollows Foundation before? What did you know about their work?

Ganesh: I recall watching a documentary on Fred Hollows some years ago, and was impressed at the time. But it wasn't until the auction that I thought about the Foundation again.

FHFNZ: What motivated you to bid?

Ganesh: As I followed the story with interest I heard that the price had become really high. I thought that it was a bit farcical, but went on Trade Me to find out more. As I read I was inspired by the story, read about Fred Hollows and determined that I wanted to be involved.

FHFNZ: How did you feel when you won the auction?

Ganesh: I really felt strongly that I was going to win so I wasn't overly surprised, but over the next few hours realising this was so public held some trepidation.

FHFNZ: What was it like going to Parliament for the handover ceremony?

Ganesh: Actually it was really nice. I was a little anxious before hand but the Prime Minister was extremely gracious and made us feel at ease at once. He seemed genuinely surprised that he was part of something so wonderful, and was hugely appreciative. He spent a long time afterwards chatting and exchanging stories. We felt incredibly welcomed.

FHFNZ: Are you looking forward to the morning tea?

Ganesh: Yes I enjoyed our first meeting so suspect it will be similar. My boys are very excited, and the Prime Minister seemed eager to show them around. I suspect it will be very casual. Mr Key seems very down to earth. He joked about making scones for the boys.

FHFNZ: Any messages for supporters of the Fred Hollows Foundation or to NZ public in general?

Ganesh: Since doing this I have become aware of many people who value Fred Hollows and the work that the foundation does. It has been a privilege to be a part of this, and be connected to a vast number of people who have been inspired to restore sight. I hope that I can continue to be involved in other useful ways and encourage others to take similar risks to care about others. As Helen Keller said "There is no lovelier way to thank God for your own sight, than by giving a helping hand to someone in the dark.”

For more information about Ganesh's reasons for getting involved in the auction, for interviews and articles after the event, please visit Glover Memorials online