The Rotary Club of Airdrie’s annual silent auction will be held online this year, due to continued event restrictions pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the club’s auction would typically take place in conjunction with a club event, president Kerry Bostick said that was not possible this year.
“Over the last year, we haven’t been able to host any events, so we’re coming up with new ways to raise funds for the community,” she said.
The auction will be held for four weeks, according to Bostick, with a phased approach that will see groups of items rolled out one at a time.
“It’s something a little different to spread it out a bit, so it’s not an overwhelming amount of items to go through,” she said.
According to Bostick, those interested in partaking in the auction can check out the available items at charityauction.bid/airdrierotary
Bidding starts Feb. 19 at 8 a.m., she added, though participants will be able to browse the available items before then. Items up for grabs include an air fryer and oven combo, a high-definition dashboard camera, a heavy-duty camping cooler, and much more.
The auction also acts as a fundraiser. Bostick said the proceeds will support a local initiative in the near future, with the goal of raising $20,000.
“We’re hoping to find a local project to do in the next year, where we can use these funds to build or support something within the Airdrie community,” she said. “We’re kind of on the hunt for a good project to throw some cash at.”
The Rotary Club of Airdrie has been a fixture in the city for nearly four decades. According to Bostick, the club has held an annual silent auction throughout its 38 years.
There are currently 34 members in the club, and Bostick said the Airdrie chapter is always interested in growing membership.
“New members always come with fresh ideas and new perspectives that are always welcome,” she said, adding anyone interested in joining the club can email her at [email protected]
Prior to the pandemic, the club’s members met every Tuesday at Genesis Place Recreation Centre. However, since the onset of the pandemic, Bostick said the club’s members have met virtually every other Tuesday via Zoom.
She encourages Airdronians to join the club, as it is a way to support a variety of local, national and international causes. In addition to its silent auction, the club also supports local charities through its annual Dragons Den initiative, a yearly golf tournament, a fun-money casino and a lip-sync battle, among others.
“I initially joined rotary [because I was] looking for an outlet for charitable giving,” Bostick said. “It is definitely great for that – you get the opportunity to hear about lots of great charities within the community and opportunities to give back in Airdrie and internationally.”
Another benefit of joining the club is the social factor, Bostick added.
“It’s really a good group of people,” she said. “It’s very diverse – there’s women, men of all different ages – and a strong feeling of fellowship with each other. We have a lot of fun and enjoy each other’s company, so that’s a bonus.”
Scott Strasser, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @scottstrasser19
