Terry Vollum
For PostMedia
STIRLING – The genuine warmth of the Christmas season would seem to be timeless even as it varies ever so slightly from person to person and from year to year. Yet regardless of individual religious beliefs, the season itself continues to be a time to reflect on love of family and giving and perhaps taking a little time to fully appreciate just how fortunate we are to be living free in such a peaceful country…and most especially, here in our little corner.
For the past decade, in the weeks leading up to the Big Day, the Rotary Club of Stirling has held their much anticipated and highly successful Christmas Online Auction. The auction itself is ‘live’ for about a week in early December and features an impressive assortment of unique items – all up for bids. “We couldn’t stage this without tremendous community support,” explained Stirling Rotarian and auction organizer, Laurie Osborne, adding, “we are so grateful to all local businesses and friends of Rotary who have donated so many wonderful auction items over the years to make this fundraiser the tremendous success it has become.”
Aside from the thrill of participating in a virtual auction, all those who take part have the warm feeling that they are helping to support the good work of Stirling Rotary. And that’s because all proceeds from Rotary’s Christmas online auction stay right in the neighbourhood to support the Stirling Community Cupboard (Food Bank) and in particular, the Stirling Christmas Sharing Program – an initiative that has offered support to those in need in Stirling-Rawdon for well over 25 years. Longtime Food Bank volunteer, Heather Bailey, explains, “Anyone who needs a helping hand at Christmastime can register and receive food and/or toys for their families. This past year we helped more than sixty families have a better Christmas. We are fortunate to partner with some extraordinarily dedicated volunteers. Kim Finkle has organized and run the Toy Drive for almost 20 years and does a truly amazing job. And Stirling Rotary has been there to help every step of the way. It’s the community itself that keeps us going – with both financial assistance and helping hands.”
And so it was just a few days ago that Stirling Rotarian, Laurie Osborne, dropped by the Community Cupboard with a cheque that represented the total proceeds of this year’s Christmas Online Auction. “We were so pleased to be able to present Heather with that $7,500.00 cheque,” exclaimed Osborne, “At a time when so many people are struggling, it’s comforting to know that support is readily available. We know that we can always count on the generosity of Stirling area businesses and of course the tremendous support we get from our thoughtful friends over Campbellford way…so many helping hands.”