Spring has sprung and the Bruce Peninsula Hospital Foundation (BPHF) office is bustling with Spring Auction preparations. This year marks the 27th anniversary of this much-anticipated annual event, and year after year, the auction seems to get bigger and bigger. Hundreds of auction items have been collected from all sorts of local businesses, artists, restaurants, contractors, and growers. Despite the difficult year local businesses have endured, our merchants, professionals and ‘friends of the foundation’ have generously donated a terrific variety of treasures, experiences, delicious delights, and services.
Kim Ironmonger, a regular bidder recently said “You know spring is just around the corner when the Annual Hospital Spring Auction is gearing up! I am always so so excited for April to arrive. Even though I can’t raise my bidding paddle or greet everyone at the door selling tickets, I can still experience the thrills of the event with my friends and family as we outbid each other over gift baskets and cards, homemade pies, jellies, paintings, weekend getaways, oh so many to choose from. A week of entertainment from the warmth of my own home. I am so proud to be part of a caring community that gives of themselves and donates unconditionally to make this event a huge success each and every year. I know from experience, the monies raised has a large impact on keeping up to date equipment in our hospitals, so we are able to receive the best healthcare at home.”
The auction features a number of categories including, Backyard Paradise; Local Growers; Local Arts; Dining; Family Fun; Wellness, Vintage & Collectables, and lots more! Of special mention is a $5000 gift certificate that can be redeemed at Wiarton Home Hardware Building Centre or the Design Centre, and Air Canada has contributed two domestic flights anywhere in North America, including Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean.
In recent years, another very special auction Christmas category has developed which features unique Christmas ornaments created by local students. This past fall, the JK to grade 3 students of St. Edmond’s School in Tobermory crafted a beautiful selection of ornaments in support of local healthcare and are available for bidding.
Last year's Spring Auction raised a record-breaking $34,722 for the Wiarton & Lion's Head Hospitals' new X-Ray Machines thanks to the incredible support of local businesses! 135 local businesses, artists, professionals, and restaurants provided 359 amazing auction items. Our partnering businesses made our auction irresistible for 380 registered bidders who bid hard and bid often throughout the weeklong event.
As always, there is lots of need for support again this year. We are raising funds for emergency eye care, physiotherapy equipment, and patient room improvements for GBHS-Lion's Head, and an ultrasound machine and Emergency Department renovations for GBHS-Wiarton.
The Spring Auction is available to preview and for early bidder registration beginning April 1st for one week, then the Auction goes LIVE April 9th at 7am and runs 24/7 until April 16th. Please help us ‘keep care close to home’ by virtually joining us at @ www.bphfoundation.com. Viewing, registering and bidding is easy. If you need assistance, please call April or Catherine at (519)534-5856.
source: media release
