Rusland’s Auctioneers and Appraisers will start the bidding at 7 p.m. Saturday (December 7th) when the YMCA hosts their 2nd Annual Chairs 4 Charity auction. This innovative fundraiser is the brainchild of Emily Gray, who not only finds the chairs but, with the help of volunteers, also refurbishes them to get them auction ready.

When Gray and her team are done refurbishing the chairs, they look totally different and appear brand new; it’s amazing what these creative, talented people can accomplish. This year was extra special as Gray's crew also received help from 21 youth from the New Canadian Centre, who are also one of the event sponsors. Other sponsors include Barbeside Salon, Circus, Gypsy Barn, KMD Community Planning and Consulting INC, Lakeshore Designs, Rainbow Youth Coalition/PARN, Rambling Rose Flowers and The UK Shoppe.

Proceeds from the auction go to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and thanks to the sponsorship of many local businesses, the cost of the chairs and materials is covered. Last year they raised over $2,000, which allowed several children to participate in camps and programs that they otherwise would not be able to afford.

The event will take place inside the YMCA but it’s open to the public so anyone is welcome to attend and place a bid. If you can’t make it there on Saturday, advance bidding is available with a credit card by phoning the YMCA at 705-748-9622. Here are the chairs that are up for auction at the YMCA’s 2nd Annual Chairs 4 Charity event.