Foodgrains auction sets record

The annual Make a Difference auction in support of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank set a new record this year.

Strong turnout pushed funds raised to $320,000, surpassing the $300,000 garnered last year for relief efforts among farmers and residents in trouble spots overseas.

“Our long-standing auction can’t be stopped by COVID-19,” a teaser for the auction declared. “With a worldwide pandemic making life even harder for people facing hunger, our efforts to end global hunger are needed now more than ever.”

Cattle remained the heart of this year’s auction but lots also included livestock feed and accessories, tools, gift baskets and other items from suppliers and members of the farming community.

“We had solid support from the local businesses again this year and hope to build on that support for next year’s auction,” says Rob Brandsma, part o the organizing committee. “We know the money raised will be used fruitfully to benefit those abroad struggling with hunger, famine and drought.”

This year’s auction included more than 200 lots in support of that goal. The action took place online March 8-11, with donations boosting the sum raised through bidding.

“One benefit with the online option is that we had a broader range of people that participated, as bidding behind a computer may be more comfortable then bidding in a live auction,” says Brandsma.

Thanks to matching funds from the federal government, the impact of the auction often exceeds the million-dollar mark.

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