On Saturday, May 5, the folks out at Youbou Community Church are holding an auction to raise funds for repairs and upgrades to the church, as well as community projects such as the soup kitchen and emergency food hampers. The auctioning will start at 10 a.m., but those who are keen to bid are welcome to show up as early as 8:30 a.m., get a bidding number and start browsing.
Pastor Vikki Marrs says that there is plenty to choose from. Community members have donated collectables, antiques, original artwork, furniture, exercise equipment, and a local architect has even donated his time to draw up the plans for the top bidder’s dream home. “This has really been a community event,” says Marrs. “The response has been phenomenal.”
Jeff Abbott will be the auctioneer and emcee for the event. Marrs says he is very humourous and will do a fantastic job of keeping the crowd bidding and entertained at the same time.
There are approximately 105 lots to bid on, and there is no minimum starting bid for any of the items with the exception of the home design. There will be a concession with refreshments, hamburgers, and hot dogs. The concession will be run by volunteers and all proceeds will go back into the church and towards the community projects listed above.
Marrs says she has had people ask her what will be done with the items that do not sell. “Even items that do not sell will be going toward a worthy cause.” For example, they might be donated to Bibles for Missions in Duncan.
For those who don’t know the history of the Youbou Community Church, Marrs says the building was erected in 1938 with lumber donated by the Cowichan Lumber Mill. Community members came together to build the church and since then the space has been used not only for Sunday services, but also as a meeting place to host special community lunches at Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. The church also hosts a free lunch on Mondays from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. where they serve soup and sandwiches and sometimes dessert.
Marrs hopes that the community comes out to support the church and enjoy a Saturday out in Youbou.