Rodney Zabell may be terrified of what his future holds, but the retiring deputy principal of Smith’s Hill High School knows he still wants to help young people.
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The 60 year old is auctioning his flamboyant tie collection to raise money for Bikes 4 Life, a charity assisting disadvantaged kids get an education in Cambodia. Funds help impoverished children with school supplies and transport in the form of bicycles in the Southeast Asian nation.
‘‘Education is the area that can help students move ahead with their lives,’’ he said.
Ninety of Mr Zabell’s most treasured neck and bow ties are up for bids, with the aim to raise $1500 before he exits the classroom for good on September 12.
The Bulli local will then turn his focus closer to home, with ambitions of helping children in need by volunteering for Mission Australia or some of Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off the Streets programs.
‘‘I believe if I can help just one in 10 students ... then I’ve succeeded,’’ he said.
Mr Zabell leaves a career spanning nearly four decades, and believes he’s going out on a high. However, he assures he’s still kept plenty of trademark ties in his ‘‘private collection’’.
‘‘A lot of people think it’s quite onerous to wear ties but I think it’s distinguished, individual, unique.’’
Head to Zabell's Lord of the Ties Facebook page to make a bid.
