Salt Spring Island’s Transition Salt Spring has kicked off its first-ever “Auction for Action,” an online silent fundraiser with bids accepted until May 31, 2026. The community-powered climate non-profit is offering islanders a chance to bid on hands-on local experiences, with every dollar supporting practical climate solutions across the Southern Gulf Islands.
The auction features a roster of one-of-a-kind items donated by neighbours, including a five-day shoemaking workshop for two at The Wilding Foundation’s FabLab, pressure canning classes led by Bryan Young, and guided ecology walks. Bidders can also vie for farm tours and opportunities to join a local band on stage for a live performance.
The effort arrives as Transition Salt Spring builds on a track record of local impact. The organization has hosted 61 community events, overseen the planting of 1,000 trees in the Mount Maxwell watershed, and distributed $138,550 in home energy rebates. Its popular Repair Cafe events have fixed more than 530 items, part of a broader “Lighter Living” push that includes clothing and toy swaps.
Underpinning the auction is the group’s 2021 Climate Action Plan, which sets a target of cutting Salt Spring’s greenhouse-gas emissions in half by 2030 through 250 community-driven actions. The fundraiser offers residents a direct way to support that work while learning skills tied to waste reduction, food security, and local self-reliance.
In 2025, Transition Salt Spring reported $510,998 in revenue—largely from grants and donations—against $478,637 in expenses. Organizers say the auction is part of a push to broaden funding sources and engage new supporters. Bidding stays open through the end of May 31, 2026.
