Artists for Inclusion 2022 raises $7.6K for Transitional Housing
Jennifer Jerrett, Community Engagement Specialist for Community Living Huntsville, says she is excited about the success of Artists for Inclusion 2022 because of the impact funds raised will have on the community. Photo by Community Living Huntsville.
Last-minute bidding frenzies kindled more hope for housing in North Muskoka.
Jennifer Jerrett, Community Engagement Specialist for Community Living Huntsville, says the not-for-profit organization’s Artists for Inclusion 2022 online art auction raised nearly $7,600 to support its Transitional Housing initiative.
“We couldn’t have done it without the artists, craftspeople, and community members who donated items for the auction, nor the bidders who raised their virtual auction paddles to bid on and buy the items,” says Jennifer. “Really, the people at the center of this are those who contributed, so people we support could benefit. We cannot thank you enough!”
The auction had more than 80 items up for bid, more than the previous year. There were more bidders, too, nearly half of whom were bidding in an Artists for Inclusion auction for the first time.
“People are hearing about the auction, and the cause, and getting involved, which is excellent,” says Jennifer.
Bids started as soon as the auction opened, but the final moments had everyone on the edge of their seats.
“The term ‘frenzy’ comes to mind,” laughs Jennifer. “I saw all these bidding wars and I thought, ‘Yes! This is all going to help people who are on the cusp of homelessness. This is amazing!’”
Community Living Huntsville team members have routinely witnessed people and families they support unable to find, afford, or maintain adequate living space in North Muskoka due to low availability, cost, competition, and systemic barriers.
The organization’s new and innovative Transitional Housing initiative provides people with developmental disabilities, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, with short-term housing, skills-building, resources, and support to successfully move into their own place, long-term. The initiative relies on fundraised dollars, donations, and charitable grants to continue.
“To the people who bought the art, it’s a win-win for them. They have a piece of art they can love and display in their home, and they are helping support someone get a home,” says Jennifer.
Plans are underway for another auction in 2023.
If you missed out on the auction, were outbid on your favourite pieces, or would like to make a further donation to our Transitional Housing initiative, you can donate through our website at clhuntsville.ca/donate, or contact Jennifer Jerrett at Jennifer.Jerrett@clhuntsville.ca or 705-380-4153 for more information.
Update: This story was updated on July 26, 2022, after additional information came in, to state that Artists for Inclusion 2022 raised nearly $7,600. A previous version of this story said it raised more than $6,200.
Community Living Huntsville is a not-for-profit, registered charity that supports and advocates alongside more than 300 people with developmental disabilities, and their families, to live, work, and play in unique and purposeful ways in North Muskoka. Our organization celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2022. Learn more at clhuntsville.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, and TikTok.