Leader Lions Club hoping to raise funds through Facebook auction

The Leader Lions Club is excited about their Online Facebook auction that began on Saturday, May 1 and continues until May 21. Lions member Dustin Heatcoat explained how the fundraiser got off the ground. “We were watching these styles of fundraisers taking place in the area. Eatonia, Fox Valley, Empress, Eston and Richmound all did one on different months. We can do it virtually because we haven’t been able to do the old model of fundraisers for over a year. As we watched the creativity and success these other communities have had, we concluded this was a fantastic idea. When you cram 200 people in a hall, you’re looking at reaching a limited amount of households. Now someone from another community or province who has roots in the area can participate. You’re giving back to a good cause, and this opens up the floor to anybody who is interested.”

Dustin said it’s up to people to decide if they want to donate or to bid. Anyone can list an auction within the group or reach out to the Lions club until the May 21 deadline. The twenty-plus Leader Lions members are anticipating an ongoing trickle of auctions continuing until the fundraiser deadline.

“Funds will be given to the Town of Leader so people can access donation receipts for their generosity,” Dustin said. The generosity of the people involved will go towards a good cause, as there are numerous projects which need to be done in the community. Some of those projects include replacing the arena’s compressor for the ice plant, replacing the pool’s boiler, providing shale and ongoing work at the ball diamond, and other recreation, culture and sport projects.

Leader’s Rec Director, Rochelle Francis, said, “I have agreed to help the Lions Club out with this much-needed fundraiser. Every dollar raised will be put back into spaces in our community that we all benefit from. The pandemic has put a damper on events and programs, but the expenses have still remained.”

“The town crew and I have done some painting in the community hall, and it was discovered that the membrane roofing on the hall has severely blistered. Town Council has done some investigating on different methods of repair/replacement. To protect the integrity of our structure from damage, this needs to be fixed in the very near future. This project will most likely begin before fall. The minimum price tag on this fix is going to be $105,000,” she estimated.

It’s hoped that this auction will provide needed funds for some of these projects. Donations can come from businesses, individuals, families or organizations, including services, gift cards or baskets, baking and even collectable items. Cash donations are also welcome.

Charitable receipts are issued for cash and other donations. For example: if a donated item is valued at $100 and someone purchases it for $150, the donor will receive a charitable receipt for $100, and the purchaser will get a receipt for $50.

If you have friends or family who aren’t on Facebook, you could place a bid on their behalf or find a way to include them in this event. And, of course, bidding wars are highly encouraged! Let the fun begin!

The membrane roofing of the Leader Community Centre is in need of repairs.