Skip to content

Auction raises $115,000 for Sudan relief efforts

The recent Make a Difference Sale in Abbotsford raised more than $115,000 for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
80434abbotsfordFoodgrainsBank-McClarys-auction-2011
A fundraising auction at McClary Stockyards in Abbotsford is one of three such annual events for the Foodgrains Bank.

The recent Make a Difference Sale in Abbotsford raised more than $115,000 for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

The annual fundraising auction is organized by volunteers, and has raised more than $1 million in the last decade.

“It’s quite the event. We have strong support from the community, and people generously donate cattle and other items to be auctioned off,” said Clarence Tuin, who, together with his wife Jenny, serves as voluntary coordinator for Canadian Foodgrains Bank in B.C.

McClary Stockyard in Abbotsford hosts the auction free of charge. Items up for grabs are varied and include floral bouquets, kayaks, food products, fishing trips and beef and dairy animals.

David McClary, who owns the yard with his mom Sheila and brother Jono, served as auctioneer for the six-hour event, held on March 24.

This year, the biggest selling item was a hockey jersey from Alex Burrows of the Vancouver Canucks. A pair of brothers bought the item for $1,450.

Funds raised at this year’s sale will be used to help people in Sudan, where many people struggle with basic needs, including access to long-term food sources.

The Make a Difference Sale is one of three annual auctions held for the Foodgrains Bank. The other two are held in Ponaka, Alta. and Osler, Sask.

For more information, visit foodgrainsbank.ca.