REAL is delighted that this year’s online auction was a financial success!  By the time bidding closed at 9 p.m. on Sat. Nov. 13 the high bids totaled $2007, which was very close to our goal of $2021.  Over the 13 days 124 people bid on 98 items.   There was intense bidding on some items and many last minute upsets.  In the end 45 people were the highest bidders and earned the right to purchase assorted collectibles, art, garden, housewares, appliances, services and Christmas items.  Participants were asked to come pick up and pay for their treasures at the REAL Deal Store the week Nov. 17 – 20.  It appears many people were very keen and came to get their purchases the first day.

While most of the auction items were gently used goods donated to the REAL Deal over the past year, we had many donations from our members and the local community.  Our sincere thanks to:   Alan Loucks, Barb and Dave Hicks, Daisy Au, Diane Bennett, Donna McKenna, Garden Market, Gord Commodore, Jill Spear, Karen Forbes, Lauralee Merkley, Lois Andison, Margot Allen, Marje Fletcher, Mercedes Steedman, Nancy McFadyen and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.

The contributions from sponsors were stellar as well, and totaled $1800, bringing revenue for the event to $3800.  REAL is very grateful for the enthusiastic support of our work by this community.  Our fall local foods dinner has been on hold the past two years, so this was a way of making up for that lost revenue.  One thousand dollars will go directly to REAL Deal operations, and the rest will enable us to continue projects like shoreline cleanups, the monarch and community gardens and, sustainability workshops.