Overnight shelter hosting fundraising auctions

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Strathmore Overnight Shelter (SOS) is holding two holiday auctions, giving residents a chance to gain a unique item or gift for the holidays while donating to a worthy cause.

The first auction was held online from Dec. 1 to 8, via the overnight shelter’s Facebook page. 

The second auction will be held on 32auctions, an online silent auction platform. 

“They man the whole site and do everything for you and have far more contacts – it will have a larger reach,” explained Elizabeth Karp, SOS executive director. Links to this second auction will be posted to the organization’s Facebook page and will be promoted elsewhere.

Residents and local organizations supported these initiatives by donating items and gift certificates, including Shear Bliss Salon, Shoppers Drug Mart and the Strathmore Golf Club, donated by the Strathmore Times. 

“The community is offering tremendous support for us,” said Karp. “They have been amazing towards the shelter in the last year, dropping off supplies, and recently, things for our auctions.”

While Karp said 2020 has been challenging, the shelter has been able to support numerous clients and help 11 of them find more stable living arrangements.