Red Nose Day events planned for Central Otago on Friday include an appearance by New Zealander of the Year Ray Avery, who will speak at a function in Cromwell.
The 62-year-old scientist and inventor will be launching his book Rebel With A Cause in Central Otago, at The Shed on Northburn Station.
Low-cost and effective incubators for babies and inexpensive lenses for people suffering cataract blindness are among Mr Avery's inventions.
Cromwell Paper Plus manager Aimee Paardekooper said Paper Plus, The Shed and Mr Avery were sponsoring the event so all the proceeds could go to Cure Kids Red Nose Day, to support research into life-threatening childhood illnesses affecting New Zealand children.
Mr Avery's story was one of a "true Kiwi hero" who overcame childhood neglect and abuse to become a successful scientist and businessman who had helped millions of people in the Third World, Ms Paardekooper said.
A community morning tea from 10 to 11am outside Cromwell Paper Plus and a sausage sizzle outside Alexandra Paper Plus are also planned for Friday.
