NWT Disabilities auction kicks off tonight
All money raised goes toward children's programs
Robin Grant
Northern News Services
Friday, December 2, 2016
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The NWT Disabilities Council Benefit Auction is back for another year tonight.
On the auction block are a variety of donated items that range in value from $20 to a few thousand dollars, said executive director Denise McKee.
"We have something for everybody. We have a really nice chair and drawer donated by Quality Furniture. We have a lot of great gift certificates from a lot of great people," she said, adding other items on the list are Canadian North plane tickets, artwork, traditional crafts and outdoor items.
The auction is held every year close to Christmas to give residents a chance to bid on the items as Christmas presents.
"It's a good time to have it. People have a lot of fun," said McKee.
Aside from gifts for loved ones, the auction provides an opportunity to learn about the council's programs, such as its early childhood intervention and a sensory-room experience.
The sensory room is a space where sensory stimulation can be controlled to fit a user's leisure, relaxation, therapeutic or educational needs. Some of the council's sensory resources will be on display to explore and play.
Last year, the auction raised $35,000, all of which went toward supplementing NWT Disabilities programming. This year, all the money raised will go toward its children's program.
"A lot of our children's programs are underfunded," McKee said.
In addition, the auction will feature a cash bar, popcorn, raffles and Santa Claus available for photos. There will also be live music by Jim Taylor and Ben Rousseau. Organizers are particularly excited about the 50/50 draw - tickets are currently on sale. Right now, the pot is sitting at $3,500 and whoever draws the winning ticket wins half the money.
This year, Hay River South MLA Wally Schumann will auction off items.
Schumann has been an auctioneer for 50 years and he said he is happy to lend his experience to a good cause.
"I do a lot of charity auctions all over the country, in Calgary and B.C. and all over the place," he said. "I'm glad to do it if they want to raise money for disabled people."
Auction-goers will be greeted by this year's celebrity host - former NWT Commissioner Tony Whitford.
The auction will be held at Quality Inn and Suites in the lower boardrooms starting at 6:30 p.m.
