Vermilion adapts its fundraiser to meet challenge of pandemic

Among the challenges imposed on clubs by COVID-19 is finding ways to raise funds to support community projects.

Restrictions on gatherings mean that many formerly successful fundraising activities are not viable, so some Rotary creativity is required to build up clubs’ bank accounts.

One club that has met this challenge is the Rotary Club of Vermilion.

“April 2020 would have marked the 13^th year of the Vermilion Rotary Community Garage Sale, where our local curling rink is filled with community donations for a three-day shopping experience,” writes Rotarian Brenda Lee. “This extensive project, spanning a 10-day time frame, is a much-anticipated event requiring many volunteers and drawing hundreds of people.  

“It has become one of our club’s largest annual fundraisers, traditionally resulting in revenue of $25,000 to $30,000, but was a definite ‘no-go’ with COVID,” Brenda says.

“Having already accepted donations for the spring sale and with the priority to maintain the safety of our volunteers and community members, it was decided to try an online auction format for the furniture pieces.”   

With the offer of a large-enough venue, the furniture was brought from storage and set up. Each piece was measured, photographed and a lot number assigned to it.

“The Online Furniture Auction went live on Tuesday, August 4 with bidding continuing  through to Thursday, August 6,” Brenda says.   

“Successful bidders were contacted and scheduled pick-up times arranged to maintain appropriate distancing over the next two days. Sanitation stations, masks and gloves were provided.”

The auction raised $4,200 for club projects from the sale of approximately 100 pieces and required far fewer volunteer hours to pull off. But Brenda doesn’t feel it will replace the annual in-person sale.

“It provided the opportunity to pare down our large stored items at a time when some individuals and students may be in search of reasonably priced furnishings,” she says. “But it lacked the extensive Rotary interaction with our community.”