A CHANCE encounter with a lady wrapping Christmas gifts at a local shopping centre has spawned a series of life changing events for Toowoomba photographer Simon Gleeson.

Mr Gleeson was ticking off his Christmas gift list last year when he started chatting to a woman about his love of South America and Peru.

She mentioned how former Toowoomba woman Lyndal Maxwell had dedicated her life to making the lives of Peruvians better by volunteering at hospitals and adopting eight children.

(Ms Maxwell also provides temporary shelter for abused woman and finances the schooling of more than 100 children each year.)

Inspired by the tale, Mr Gleeson decided to travel to the colourful land with the hope of helping the missionary.

He travelled in March to meet Ms Maxwell and the children she has adopted.

"I went there to help out but honestly I didn't accomplish much myself other than taking my photographs," Mr Gleeson said.

"More than anything I was in awe of her selfless work and told her when I got home I would have an exhibition to raise funds for her."

True to his word, Mr Gleeson will host a one-night exhibition and auction this evening.

"(Peru) is a country that has long been in my heart. There is something uniquely soulful about the people and places that made me want to give something back."

The exhibition and auction, Peru Embraced, will be held upstairs at the Metro Cafe, 15 Railway St, from 5.30-9pm tonight.

Entry is $10.