On Saturday, the Abilitas Foundation is hosting a live equipment auction to benefit charity.
The auction of agricultural, industrial and residential equipment will be held at Handlers Equipment in Abbotsford. The sellers will keep their proceeds but the auction fees will not be paid to the auctioneer. Instead these fees will go to the Abbotsford-based charity, and benefit the construction of B.C.’s first accessible respite lodge for kids, adults and families living with disabilities: the Cold Water Ranch Respite Lodge.
The equipment line-up includes boats, tractors, manure spreaders and a variety of different farm equipment, as well as farm antiques, trailers, vehicles, generators, and 36 new vinyl windows.
The auction starts at 9 a.m. and ends no later that 2.30 p.m.. Prospective buyers can view items up for auction on Friday at Handlers Equipment, or online at www.abilitasfoundation.org.
The the event is more than just an auction.
“At the same time, buyers and sellers support a local charity and families living with disabilities,” said Rachel Dekker, operations manager of the Abilitas Foundation, in a press release.
The event is free and open to all. A barbecue will be on, courtesy Fountain Tire, and refreshments will be available.
Professional auctioneer Ian Paton will volunteer his skill and staff for the auction.
"There is such a need for this respite lodge in our province,” said Paton. “We are glad to be able to do what we do best in support of this wonderful and ambitious project, and we hope to help bring the lodge closer to opening its doors.”
Completion of the lodge is what drives the Abilitas Foundation, as families and disability organizations quite literally cannot wait to use the respite facility.
“One in six people in B.C. has a permanent disability, and half of them live below the poverty line,” explained John Glazema, chair of the Abilitas Foundation’s board of directors. “The current lack of accessible respite options and high cost prevent families from getting the down time they need to simply sustain themselves: to rest, recharge and reconnect.”