Islanders’ treasures: up for bid and to buy
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Updated: July 02, 2009 4:25 PM
With more than 600 items already donated, organizers promise something for everyone when the ninth annual ArtSpring Treasure Fair gets underway between July 16 and 18.
“We were worried that, because of the economic downturn, we wouldn’t get enough donations,” said Mary Rose MacLachlan, one of the event’s volunteer co-ordinators. “Well, we have been blown away by the generosity of islanders.”
Up for bid are kayaking trips along the coast, spa packages, Hawaiian condo rentals, a week in Whistler, wooden furniture and all manner of treasures donated by local residents, businesses and community groups.
There’s even a donkey ride and, if that doesn’t suit your tastes, a yellow 1974 Mercedes Benz.
This year’s Treasure Fair includes a silent auction, live auction and cash-and-carry room featuring items under $50.
As in past years, every dollar raised at the event will go towards ArtSpring operations.
“The Treasure Fair is one of ArtSpring’s two major funding efforts,” MacLachlan said.
This year’s “lighten-your-load” theme is meant to remind islanders that some of those forgotten items gathering dust on the shelf can be somebody else’s long-sought treasure.
MacLachlan said donations will be accepted until July 7. Items can be new or used, experiences and services can range from the affordable to the extravagant, she added.
Bidding at the silent auction takes place between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday.
Last-minute bids will be accepted on Saturday evening before the live auction begins at 8 p.m.
“That’s when things get interesting,” MacLachlan said.
To donate, email treasurefair@artspring.ca or call 250-537-4017.
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