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Annual Make a Difference Auction raises money for Foodgrains Bank

Annual Abbotsford event aims to raise more money than ever
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Annual cattle auction at McClary Stockyards raises funds for the Foodgrains Bank. Kelvin Gawley/Abbotsford News

The annual Make a Difference Auction in Abbotsford, B.C. in support of Canadian Foodgrains Bank took place at McClary’s Stockyards on Thursday, raising approximately $170,000.

Proceeds from the sale of items will go toward Foodgrains Bank projects that are providing food for people affected by drought and natural disasters in developing countries.

“We put on the Make a Difference Auction ever year because we appreciate what the Foodgrains Bank does in its effort to end world hunger,” said Rob Brandsma, who coordinates the auction.

Brandsma recently returned from Ethiopia, where he saw firsthand how the Foodgrains Bank supports people experiencing hunger overseas.

“We were in a very dry part of Ethiopia visiting a community that was building an irrigation system with funds from the Foodgrains Bank,” explains Brandsma.

He remembers meeting a young boy named Ishmael, who had successfully grown basil and tomatoes with water from the irrigation system.

“It was really great to see the pride that he had taken in his own growing and in helping his community and family,” said Brandsma. “The projects and partners the Foodgrains Bank assists really do help make a difference.”

Last year, the auction raised a record-breaking $208,000 for the Foodgrains Bank.

Brandsma said although that total was not reached this year, organizers are impressed and overwhelmed with the generosity of all who participated.

“We were blown away by lasts year’s total and (knew it would be) a tough task to replicate this year,” he said. “But we (were) really confident our community and our donors (would) reach deep and help make this another successful auction.”