OLDS — The 56th annual Kiwanis Auction in Olds raised a record $28,300, says Murray Elliott, one of the event’s coordinators.
That's despite the fact that many people have been reining in spending, due to inflation.
This year’s edition – the third in a row to be held online only – ran from Tuesday, Nov. 29 until Thursday, Dec. 1. Items were picked up on Friday, Dec. 2.
"We raised about $28,300, which I believe is a record – which is a record, all-time record,” Elliott said Monday.
“The people (participating in the auction) were overbidding on gift certificates and things like that, beyond the value. We had more than $3,000 in cash donations. It’s just incredible,” he added.
The first online Kiwanis Auction was held virtually in 2020, due to pandemic restrictions.
Elliott was not quite sure how to account for such generosity this year.
“It just seemed like a year of giving in a tough year and it certainly extends beyond Olds,” he said. "It kind of warms the heart that in 2022, in tough economic times that we can do so well.”
Elliott said all proceeds go back into the community. He said that could account for the higher spending by bidders.
He was grateful for all those who helped make the auction such a great success; not only the bidders, but Rosehill Auction Mart & Auction Service Ltd., the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #105, which housed items to view, and the Kiwanis club members themselves who spent countless hours on the project.
Elliott said the fact that all three online auctions have worked so well almost certainly means next year’s event will be run online as well.
However, he said he and other Kiwanians miss the face-to-face interaction and socializing with people so club members are trying to think of a way to make that happen next year.
