From April 1st to 10th, the Candlelighters Online Auction took place on Facebook with items up for bid growing each day, in support of the Childhood Cancer Support Group.
Candlelighters' Volunteer Board Chair Naomi Fehr shared how much was raised in 10 days.
"Last year, we had about 800 members, 700 items, and $52,000 raised. And, we have 823 prizes, this year, over 1200 members, and $63,000 raised."
Items are posted on the page, with more added each day. Friendly over-bidding is encouraged to support the important cause.
Fehr said throughout the pandemic the needs and programming changed for the organization.
"You know, 2020 was kind of different for us compared to most charities. We were missing out on the in-person events, of course, but we had to find a different way to spend money and help families in tangible ways. We had to think outside the box. So, we started adding care packages for new families, we added another parking pass, we added a cupboard up to the children's cancer ward, we started sending meals, we had a Grad Survivor Scholarship as well, and we started to help cover some costs for funerals, as well."
Fehr noted people are sometimes surprised to hear everyone is a volunteer at Candlelighters, all the money raised goes towards supporting kids and their families.
"Now that we're back to in-person events, we had to have a bit of an emergency meeting because spending was going to be more than what we were actually able to raise. We kind of discussed where we would cut back and we came to the conclusion that was not an option, because we do so many amazing things. So, we decided to give it a bit more of a a push to raise more funds instead of finding areas where we should cut back."
The reality and purpose came through while wrapping up the auction, contacting bid winners and collecting money and making arrangements for the pickup of each of the 823 donated items.
"I see etransfer after etransfer coming through the auction, and then I did see there was a new diagnosis come through. I just kind of stopped everything auction related and I made sure I got that package into the mail right away. And within a few days, it's in the hands of the family who need it. Also, we do the meals for families whose child is dying, so I also placed one of those orders as well, during the auction, just to give support to the family in a way that might seem small to somebody, but it's just one less thing that family has to worry about."
Fehr mentioned a lot of support came through for items donated in memory of her mom, Agatha Wall, who passed away earlier this year. She was a big supporter of past auctions. Her canning and baking items raised $5,500 this year and $16,000 since the auction began in 2012.
Fehr said the organization is looking for business to make yearly donations to Candlelighters to make sure families, especially those going through treatment, have as much support as possible.
Email or etransfer support@manitobacandlelighters.org to donate.
