The Rotary Club of Sarnia is hosting its 42nd annual online auction from November 11-16 at www.rtva.ca, offering over $70,000 worth of items to raise funds for various community projects and local non-profits.
The Rotary Club of Sarnia’s 42nd annual online auction is set to begin, aiming to raise thousands of dollars for projects benefiting the Sarnia-Lambton community.
Bidding for the club's largest annual fundraiser runs from November 11-16.
Those wishing to participate can visit www.rtva.ca to bid on hundreds of items donated by businesses and individuals across the region. Organizers expect over 500 items will be offered, with a total value exceeding $70,000.
Auction items include a wide variety of goods, such as gift baskets, local services, gift certificates, sports tickets, electronic gadgets, weekend getaways, and unique hand-crafted gifts.
"It's looking to be a tremendous auction," said Johnna Johansen, who is organizing the event with fellow club member Alison Mahon. "Businesses have been very generous, and there are many remarkable items up for grabs."
A key feature of the auction is its transparency: what a person bids is what they pay. There is no bidder's premium or HST added to the final cost. Purchases are paid for by credit card upon registration through a secure third-party provider.
Organizers also note that the items make for great Christmas gifts.
Successful bidders can pick up their items at the Rotary office at 1210 Michigan Rd (beside Pathways) on Tuesday, November 18, or Wednesday, November 19, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Proceeds from the auction support numerous community initiatives. Past projects funded by the club include cabins at Camp Attawandaron, the recent expansion at Standing Oaks, and various commitments to Pathways Health Centre for Children, including its recent pool restoration.
The club also awards $50,000 in grants annually to local non-profit organizations such as Literacy Lambton, the Lambton County Music Festival, Rebound, the Victoria Playhouse, and the YMCA Sunday Free Swims, among many others. Recently, the club has also been acting as a catalyst for new affordable and supportive housing in Sarnia-Lambton.
