4th Annual Habitat For Humanity Vancouver Island North ‘Bid To Build’ Online Auction Goes Live Today

The 4th annual Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North ‘Bid to Build’ Online Auction goes live today to raise funds to build safe and affordable homes with local families.

From June 19th to 28th, virtual bidding will be open for over 200 items, gift cards, experiences, and getaways donated by local businesses and professionals.

Proceeds will support their current 12-home project on 1375 Piercy Avenue in Courtenay and upfront development costs for an upcoming project on 461 Hilchey Road in Campbell River.

Bid to Build began in 2020 as a way for Habitat VIN to raise much-needed funds during the pandemic. Despite a return to normalcy, with ReStores reopened and in-person events, we need support to complete our largest affordable housing projects to date.

“Thanks to the efforts of this auction in previous years and the support of numerous community partners, we expect to complete our current build project at 1375 Piercy in Courtenay by the end of 2023,” said Yana Dimitrova, Habitat Marketing Coordinator. 

However, “with delays from the supply chain, and the continued rise of material costs used for new construction, and labour rates, we still need the communities support to complete this project on time. We are still struggling to keep building costs down, and every time we get a donation, we can pass the savings on to our new families,” explained Larry Poirier, Construction Manager.

Simba Investments Ltd is passionate about what Habitat does in the community and is supporting Habitat in the auction as presenting sponsor this year.

Brian McLean and Tyee Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltd. is our ‘buy-it-now’ sponsor to incentivize particularly generous bidders.

The ‘buy-it-now’ price for each item will be set at double the established value.

Everyone who uses the ‘buy-it-now’ feature will receive a tax receipt for the amount above and beyond the established value, and they will be entered into a draw for a secret prize valued at $1,000.

The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, Campbell River Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Courtenay BIA, Downtown Comox BIA, Downtown Campbell River BIA, and Cumberland Business Association have each lent support as auction partners by sharing information with their members and networks. Media sponsors, like 100.7 the Raven, have gone above and beyond to help spread the word.

Bidders can expect gift cards for local restaurants and businesses, tools, artwork, gift baskets, and experiences including a Natural Pastures Seasonal Cheese Experience, a Whale and Wildlife Zodiac Tour, and getaways to Tofino, Parksville, and Ucluelet.

Those interested must register on the auction platform to be able to bid.

Once they register, bidders can choose whether they want to pick up their items at the Comox Valley ReStore or Campbell River ReStore.

To learn more, to register and to bid, visit Bid to Build.