Auction all about the kids
Brodie Bazinet loves the Curling Canada Foundation silent auction that wraps up today for several reasons.
“All proceeds go to the Curling Canada Foundation to fund youth curling programs across the country,” says Bazinet, “and that’s a great thing.”
The auction, she points out, gives Tim Hortons Brier fans a chance to support the next generation of curlers while going home with unique memorabilia.
But she particularly loves the fact that curlers participating in the Brier get involved in the event.
“We get fantastic contributions from every team,” says Bazinet, Foundation Manager of Curling Canada. “That’s what I love most about this auction. The Brier teams put together either locallythemed baskets or signed curling brooms or autographed jerseys. I love that they get involved and give back to the sport.”
The auction is held in the concourse of Evraz Place, just outside the doors leading into the Brier Patch. All items are spread out over tables for easy display, with current bids listed beside them.
All items for the auction are donated by artists, teams, Curling Canada or local and national sponsors of the Brier.
“We have some fantastic items,” says Bazinet. “We have signed jerseys, sculptures, Curling Canada tickets for upcoming events and other great items.”
Bazinet says the hot items are the jerseys — the two wild card teams and Team Canada — all signed by team members. “And of course Saskatchewan,” beams Bazinet.
Many of the items in the auction are one-of-a-kind collector’s items, including a full set of framed sponsor pins donated by Laurie Artiss, The Pin People.
Other items available include a carved nativity scene from Team Northwest Territories, and a soapstone carving of a polar bear from Nunavut, valued between $700-800.
Are there going to be deals? Bazinet says the deals are in the details: people with winning bids get a great item, a charitable receipt and the knowledge they are helping kids learn the game in an atmosphere of fun.
The auction continues today starting at 11 a.m. and wraps up at 7 p.m. on the dot.
“At about 6:30 you’re going to want to be watching your favourite items,” says Bazinet, “because some people can be very strategic about their silent auction bidding. But at 7 p.m. it’s pens down. It’s like an exam.”
People with winning bids can pick up their items following the 7 p.m. draw.