SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Those planning their Christmas shopping around Yellowknife's Celebrity Auction had better start looking for other options.

The annual fundraiser for the NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities is being delayed until spring to avoid competing with other non-profit organizations' fundraising efforts over the Christmas season. Last year's event was held on Nov. 13.

"Over recent years there has been a slow decline in funds raised from the event," said Michelle Gillis, executive director of the council. "We understand that with the current state of the economy families have less to give. Those families are already often financially stressed by Christmas and are choosing which organizations they can afford to support."

While Yellowknifer couldn't confirm last year's total, Gillis said it was down from the $52,773 raised in 2008. The auction of donated items from local businesses and artisans in past years also featured brunches with celebrities such as CBC radio's Arthur Black, children's entertainer Fred Penner and evening sailing cruises provided by Great Slave Lake MLA Glen Abernethy.

"This year we want to celebrate a number of Northern celebrities and Northern artists," said Gillis of the auction's changing theme.

Plans for the next auction include expanding the event to allow participants to stick around for a dinner and dance. Neither a date nor venue has been confirmed for the event which marked its 30th anniversary last November.

Sponsors wishing to donate auction items are encouraged to contact the NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities soon so they can be provided a receipt well in advance of tax time. Gillis estimated the event raises five to 10 per cent of the council's annual revenue. Other funding comes from the territorial and federal government for

programs run by the non-profit group.

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