The Moose Jaw and District Senior Citizen’s Association (MJDSCA) has announced plans to hold its second annual live auction fundraiser on Saturday, May 11, and proceeds will be used to renovate the centre’s kitchen that is in urgent need of updates.
Although the date has been confirmed, a specific time will be announced in the coming weeks.
This year’s event will be the second live auction held by the MJDSCA and follows what the association’s administrator, Tanya Legare, described as a successful first run in 2023.
“I know everybody enjoyed coming and bidding on those items (last year),” she said.
The association is currently soliciting for new and unused items to go toward the live auction, and Legare said every member of the community is welcome to show their support. She has also mentioned that any downtown businesses interested in sponsoring the event would be greatly appreciated.
The upcoming live auction is made possible due these donations from the community.
“(Optional items to donate) can be quite endless because we’re not sure who all is going to come to the auction,” she added.
For this reason, donations should consider any age group rather than just the 55-and-up demographic to whom the association focuses its regular programming, and several items can always be gifted out.
An exchange of services is one example of a suitable auction item. A few service-based ideas include snow removal, yard care, or providing alternative means of transportation.
“We haven’t come across anything we’ve had to say no to yet,” Legare stated.
The centre has done homemade pie auctions before – usually in association with Sidewalk Days – but this concept will now be tried at the upcoming live auction event as well.
“From my understanding, pie auctions are amazing,” she said.
These pies will not be prepared in house but need to be donated by talented members of the community. Anyone wishing to contribute to the event or who is otherwise looking for that perfect excuse to fire up the oven for some home baking is welcome to contribute.
If anyone has the necessary time and skills but needs space to prepare their home-baked pies, Legare has confirmed that suitable space can be arranged.
The proposed kitchen renovation is slated to include new flooring and countertops, and the senior’s association is hopeful about plans to include a new stand-up freezer to help facilitate operations.
“Our floor tiles have been lifting, and our countertops have been peeling,” said Legare. “We thought this would be a great opportunity to update it.”
The upgrade will also be a tangible show of appreciation for the organization’s cook, who Legare said has been a great help for the organization.
“Our cook does so much for us, and (with this we can) give her a space she deserves to work in.”
Although there are no upcoming plans to expand the kitchen or the range of services provided at the association’s downtown restaurant, Legare said this renovation will open some doors.
“The possibilities are endless here. We always take everybody’s thoughts and considerations into everything and if there’s something they would like to see, we give it a go.”
Legare said she’s looking forward to seeing a wide range of people coming out for the live auction, as it’s intended to be an event for the benefit of the entire community.
To make a donation in support of the local senior’s association, simply call the front desk or stop by with your new or unused items. If you have any questions about what to donate, it’s always best practice to call in advance.
The Moose Jaw and District Senior Citizen’s Association is located at 510 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-694-4223.
