Time to dig deep! Big Highland Auction in Dingwall hopes to raise £100k for Highland Hospice and Maggie's Highland
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TWO cherished Highland charities whose lifeline work hinges on the generosity of the public have lots of interest in the outcome of a very special event in Dingwall this weekend.
The town’s mart will host The Big Highland Auction which offers the chance to snap up everything from the shirt off Cristiano Ronaldo’s back to a pedigree bull. Hopes are high the eagerly anticipated Saturday event could raise a whopping £100,000 for Maggie’s Highlands and Highland Hospice.
Amongst the 450-plus lots on offer are a quad bike, tickets for Belladrum and the services of an architect for a day.
Holiday breaks, Ross County season tickets, and the services of a house removal company are also all open to offers in person and online.
David O’Connor, chairman of the auction committee, urged people to support “two great charities”.
He said: “The response has been overwhelming. I have got to thank everybody, no matter how big or small the donation, it all counts.
“It’s important to help people in their hour of need.”
Andrew Benjamin, centre fundraising manager at Maggie’s, said: “The most important thing about this event is the awareness it will raise. Maggie’s is seeing more people than ever, so every donation helps.”
Emma Nicol, community fundraiser for Highland Hospice, said: “There is a need for our services all the time.”
Thanking the auction’s hosts, many donors and volunteers, she said the hospice was “overwhelmed” by the level of support and the generosity of the public. She said: “It has been amazing to witness the true community spirit and there really is something for everyone included in the lots.
“We are very excited for Saturday’s big auction and warmly invite everyone to join us for the day either in person or online. Thank you.”
One of the biggest items is lot 346, an 18-month-old pedigree Simmental bull.
Former footballer, Jim Oliver, donated a Manchester United football shirt signed by Cristiano Ronaldo with a certificate of authenticity. It is expected to attract plenty of interest.
In addition to the auction, between 9am and 3pm there will also be a market outside with more than 20 stalls.
Bidding is already live for a large selection of items online.
Money raised will be split between the two charities.
Mr O’Connor added: “Everyone is welcome on Saturday. We do ask that you follow Covid guidance, wear a mask and sanitise your hands at the provided stations.”
Maggie’s offers practical, emotional and social support to people as young as five across the Highlands.
“Huge thanks to our hosts and their teams at Dingwall Mart, The Big Highland Auction Committee and team of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to help bring in the fantastic lots, our Corporate Sponsors, MacGregor Industrial Supplies, Global Infrastructure, Ross-Shire Engineering and The port of Nigg as well as everyone who has donated an item or places a bid, every penny will help both charities to be here for our communities this Christmas and beyond.
The money will help continue the befriending service on offer which stretches throughout the Highlands and helps people to get much needed social interaction in difficult times.
The charities hope to raise £100,000 and bids are already flying in online.
To view the lots online, visit https://bid.dingwallhighlandmarts.com and click on the links for “Charity auction in aid of Maggie’s Highland and Highland Hospice”.
