360 Auction Raises $4,516

New Zealand's three Ronald McDonald Houses received an early Christmas present today - the proceeds from 11 unique Trade Me auctions of rare Xbox 'arcade machines'.

The 11 Xbox IDUs (interactive display units) were snapped up by bidders throughout the country after a week-long campaign to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald Houses.

The Houses, in Auckland, Wellington and South Island, provide accommodation and support for sick children and their families.

The campaign kicked off with a Viva Piñata party at the Auckland House last week. Residents and VIP guests celebrated the launch of the Xbox 360 game, Viva Piñata, and bid on an Xbox 360 console auctioned off by MCs Jay-Jay Feeney and Dominic Harvey from The Edge radio station.

The proceeds from the party and the Trade me auctions raised a total of $4,516. Noel Leeming Group chief executive officer Nick Lowe says, "We're pleased to see our Xbox IDUs going to good homes all over New Zealand, and thrilled we could come to the party for Ronald McDonald House.”

"We'd encourage anyone who missed out on the auctions to make a
donation to their local Ronald McDonald House and support this very
worthy cause."

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