OLDS — The amount of money raised by the 57th annual Kiwanis Auction in Olds was down from last year, but Murray Elliott, one of the event’s coordinators, is still impressed with what was garnered
Elliott says the auction, held online from Nov. 28-30 raised more than $22,000, down from the record $28,300, obtained last year.
He believes the impact of current high inflation is likely a major factor in that lower number.
But not everyone kept their wallets closed.
“(Some) people deliberately spent more than items were worth, just because they know it’s for a good cause,” Elliott said.
Initiatives or activities supported by the Kiwanis Club of Olds include the Olds and District Kiwanis Music Festival, the Olds Kiwanis Performing Arts Society, Breakfast for Learners, the Olds Christmas Angels, Mountain View Emergency Shelter Society, and constructing or refurbishing playgrounds.
This marked the fourth straight year the auction has been held online. The first online Kiwanis Auction was held virtually in 2020, due to pandemic restrictions.
It’s early to say, but Elliott doubts there will be any significant changes when next year’s auction is held.
Elliott is grateful for all those who helped make the auction such a great success.
That included not only bidders, but Rosehill Auction Mart & Auction Service Ltd., the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #105, which housed items to view, CAB-K Broadcasting which operates two local radio stations in the area, and the Kiwanis club members who spent countless hours on the project.
