Residents on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, raised more than $4,500 through a week-long online auction that concluded on February 5, 2026. The money will help several local charities that provide food and support services to people living on the island.
People bid on 45 different items, including paintings and sculptures from local artists, antiques, and professional services like garden design. The organizers hosted the auction on local digital platforms, including the Salt Spring Exchange; the event attracted more than 100 individual bids across 45 lots.
A portion of the proceeds will go to Island Community Services (ICS) to help fund their food bank and “The Core” Youth Centre. These programs have seen increased demand recently because of rising costs of living.
This type of fundraising has become more common as groups look for ways to reduce event overhead. The Salt Spring Island Foundation supports local organizations through grant programs — including Capacity Grants and other funding streams — which help sustain community services.
Local media such as the Gulf Islands Driftwood have reported similar community fundraising efforts. Organizers say the auction surpassed what they originally hoped to raise.
