FT seasonal appeal auction

This year’s FT seasonal appeal auction, in aid of the International Rescue Committee, is now live. Until December 22, readers can bid online on 22 exclusive experiences, including an unique Glyndebourne opera package put together by the singer Danielle de Niese. She will offer the winning bidder and his or her guest a personal tour at Glyndebourne in Sussex, including the theatre and gardens; two premium tickets to a 2015 performance of the Glyndebourne Festival Opera and a private meal at home with Ms de Niese and her husband Gus Christie, chairman of the opera.

Other top lots include lunch with the actor Sir Patrick Stewart and afternoon tea with comedian, actor and bestselling children’s author David Walliams. FT readers can also bid to have lunch with the paper’s leading editors and writers including the editor, Lionel Barber, and Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator. Jancis Robinson, the FT’s wine critic, is offering a wine tasting experience.

US-based experiences include lunch with the IRC’s president and CEO, David Miliband, and with Gillian Tett, the FT’s US managing editor.

The money raised in the auction will be donated to the FT seasonal appeal in aid of IRC’s work, helping people in areas of conflict and disaster to survive and to rebuild their lives. The British government is providing matched funding for the appeal, with all the matched cash going towards IRC’s work with Syrian refugees. Last year, IRC helped 4m displaced Syrians and refugee numbers are growing by 5,000 a day.

Read more about the lots and bid at gavelandgrand.com/irc.