Call this online auction a classic case of neighbours helping neighbours help the community, the old-fashioned Metchosin way.
The Metchosin Community Association Services Auction, which takes place Friday March 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Metchosin Community House, gives people the opportunity to bid on services donated by members of the community.
The event brings together skilled craftsmen, trades and contractors and features food preparation, entertainment, health and wellness, hobbies, pets and more.
Some examples of the services and crafts up for bidding this year include four hours of limbing, trimming and topping by a professional tree service, two hours of de-cluttering and home organization, a course on the art of soap-making for four people, two hours of certified electrical work and a painting of a pet portrait.
Sheila Stewart is in her second year as a donor, offering up three hours of rug hooking instruction and a kit. “I do it because I love the Metchosin Community House,” said Stewart, who drives out twice a month from her home in Oak Bay to offer instructional sessions. “I’m happy to do whatever I can to support it.”
Last year’s event drew 50 items and services and raised more than $5,000, said MCA board director Ron Tenove.
It’s one of two major fundraisers held each year to raise money for the Metchosin Community House, which provides a wide variety of community programs. The money also goes toward maintenance costs for the facility, built in 1993.
“What makes this unique is that we are providing more volunteer, senior-oriented, labour-only service work,” Tenove said. “It underscores a great sense of giving back to the community.”
Some of this year’s proceeds are earmarked for the popular Parents and Tots program, because its initial grant and funding has run out after six years.
The auction kicked off March 1 with online bidding, the result of which sets the starting point for bidding at the live auction. The two auctioneers, Laura Gramada and Mike van de Water, add a lively level of hilarity to the proceedings, Tenove said. “They take a tag-team approach to getting the highest bids and add a lot of laughter along the way.”
Besides being a fundraiser, the event also raises awareness and support for local service providers in the Metchosin area. For more information, contact the MCA office at 250-478-5155 or mcahouse@telus.net.
The Metchosin Community House at 4430 Happy Valley Rd.
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