STIRLING – The message of Christmas would seem to be timeless even as it changes ever so slightly from person to person and from country to country. Yet regardless of individual religious beliefs, the season itself features heartwarming Christmas stories, traditional music and caroling and of course, Santa Claus. As well, there is the exchange of gifts, festive decorations, delicious meals, and various church celebrations, all wrapped in an overall feeling of well-being and appreciation. It is also a time to consider just how fortunate we are to be living free in such a peaceful country…and perhaps most especially, in this little corner.
For the past twelve years, in the weeks leading up to the Big Day, the Rotary Club of Stirling has organized and run their much anticipated and highly successful Christmas Online Auction. The auction itself goes ‘live’ for seven days in early December and features an impressive assortment of unique items up for bids. “We couldn’t do 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 the many 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 bidders have the warm feeling that they are helping to support the good work of Stirling Rotary. And that’s because all proceeds from the online Christmas auction stay right in the neighbourhood to support the Stirling Community Cupboard (Food Bank). Longtime volunteer and Chair of the Stirling Food Bank, Heather Bailey, explains, “Anyone who needs a helping hand at Christmastime can register to receive food and/or toys. Oh, and remember that our Food Bank accepts just about anything. If you need it for your own home, so do our clients…food, toiletries, laundry and dish detergent… even pet food, we need it all.”
And so it was just a few days ago that Laurie Osborne dropped by the local Community Cupboard with a cheque that represented the total proceeds of the 2025 Stirling Rotary Online Christmas Auction. “We were so pleased to be able to present Heather with the $10,500 cheque,” exclaimed Osborne, adding, “and this would not have been possible without the ongoing support of Stirling area businesses and of course the tremendous support we receive from our longtime donors over Campbellford way. At a time when so many people are struggling, it’s comforting to know there are so many helping hands.”
And Heather Bailey offers this reminder, “With ever-increasing food prices, we need our local Food Bank more today than ever before. And that’s why we are so appreciative of Stirling Rotary’s ongoing support, along with all assistance we receive from the community at large. Stirling really is the little village with a big heart.”