Terry Vollum
For PostMedia
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 typically features classic Christmas stories, coupled with traditional music and caroling. And of course there is Santa Claus, the exchange of gifts, festive decorations, delicious meals, various church celebrations, all wrapped in an overall feeling of warmth and well-being – and of course hope. It is also a time to reflect and appreciate 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 decade, 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 goes ‘live’ for about ten 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 all 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 Rotary’s Christmas online auction stay right in the neighbourhood to support the Stirling Community Cupboard (Food Bank) and in particular, the Stirling Christmas Sharing Program – an initiative that has been supporting those in need in Stirling-Rawdon for over 25 years. Longtime Food Bank volunteer, Heather Bailey, explains, “Anyone who needs a helping hand at Christmastime can register and receive food and/or toys for their families. This past year we helped almost sixty families have a better Christmas. We are fortunate to partner with some extraordinarily dedicated volunteers. Kim Finkle has organized and run the Toy Drive for almost 20 years and does an amazing job. And Stirling Rotary has been there to help every step of the way. It’s the community itself that keeps us going – with both financial assistance and helping hands.”
And so it was just a couple of weeks ago that Laurie Osborne along with Stirling Rotary president, Bill MacKay, dropped by the Community Cupboard with a cheque that represented the total proceeds of the 2023 Online Auction. “We were so proud and happy to be able to present Heather with that $8,000.00 cheque,” exclaimed Osborne, “At a time when so many people are struggling, it’s comforting to know that there is much-needed support readily available. And we know that we can always count on the generosity of Stirling area businesses along with the tremendous support we get from our caring friends over Campbellford way…so many helping hands.”