When Hillary Webb admires the art hanging on the wall of her Halfiax home, she not only appreciates the beauty of it but recalls the hard work she did to buy it – 125 hours of work, to be exact.
Webb won the art at a “Timeraiser”, a silent art auction where instead of bidding money, participants bid volunteer time.
“I wouldn't have the piece if I had to pay for it with money,” said Webb.
Organizers of Timeraiser events connect people to causes and causes to people. Already supporting local artists and helping worthwhile agencies across Canada, the program is finally coming to Halifax.
The first event is planned for November.
“I participated in Timeraiser when I lived in Toronto,” said Webb, who is helping promote the event locally. “When I moved here three years ago I thought Halifax would be perfect for it so I called the head office and now it's here.”
Fifteen pieces of artwork have been chosen and purchased for auction and several agencies including the United Way, Red Cross and Big Brother and Big Sisters will be represented.
Throughout the evening potential volunteers will meet with different agencies and match their skills to the agencies' needs. Some agencies are looking for volunteers with specific skills; all are just looking for someone to help. Once the volunteer has made a match they are eligible to bid on artwork.
Winners have eight months to complete their volunteer hours during which time their artwork is displayed on the wall of the sponsoring corporation that bought the artwork in the first place. Once you've completed your pledge you get to bring the artwork home to enjoy.
“I worked for 150 hours,” said Monica Njoku who is also helping with the event. “I used my gas, my time, my personal sanity, but it was worth it.”
Timeraisers are not just about the auction. It's also a fun social event and guests are encouraged to pledge whatever they can even if they don't want to bid on artwork.
Organizers are hoping to raise 3,000 volunteer hours for the Halifax area.
The Halifax Timeraiser is set for Nov. 1 at Pier 21. Doors open at 7p.m.
For more information, visit: www.timeraiser.ca.
blhall@eastlink.ca
