An online auction to raise funds for the Calvert Trust will be held by Mitchells Auction Company.
The auction will run from November 14th to November 28th and will include a live online event, featuring the most valuable items, on November 28th from 11am to noon.
The Lake District Calvert Trust’s residential centre near Keswick has been helping people with disabilities take part in outdoor activities for more than 40 years.
But the coronavirus pandemic has led to a £1 million drop in income for the trust.
Fundraising manager Jennifer Scott said: “Our charitable activities have been dramatically impacted by COVID-19, with a four-month closure due to lockdown and reduced capacity since, we have lost over £1 million of fee income this year.
“After fundraising and cost savings we are still looking at a shortfall of £400,000 this year.
“We are already being impacted by the second wave of the virus which will have a drastic effect on the trust and the essential service we provide for people with disabilities in the coming year.
“We are extremely grateful to Mitchells for their support with this fundraising event and to everyone who is able to donate or bid on items in the charity auction.”
Lots donated to the auction include a limited edition Giclee pring G, Heading for Glory, from a watercolour by Sue Cumella, autographed by Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome, a unique puppet theatre experience at Upfront Gallery, including a puppet show, behind the scenes tour and lunch at Upfront Café and a day sailing aboard the trust’s Equal Chance catamaran around Windermere, stopping for champagne and strawberries along the way.
Mitchells are asking for more people to donate items of value to be sold free of charge to help raise additional funds for the struggling charity, with free in-house postage and packing for online buyers.
Donations may include artwork, experiences, pledges, holiday accommodation and other items of value.
The deadline for entries is Wednesday November 11th and anyone wishing to make a donation should contact Mitchells saleroom on 01900 827800 for further details. For more information about The Calvert Trust or to offer other support, please contact Jennifer Scott on 07519 123 073, email [email protected] or visit www.calvertlakes.org.uk.
An illustrated catalogue for the Timed Online Auction with images, descriptions and estimates of the lots to be sold can be viewed online at www.the-saleroom.com/mitchells from Thursday 12th November where people can also make bids for the lots.
Items can also be viewed in person at the saleroom from Thursday 12th including during the live online sale on Saturday November 28th from 11am to noon.
For those not wishing to attend in person, people can bid online via www.the-saleroom.com/mitchells
Anyone requiring further information about the lots featured in the sale should contact the Auctioneer Michael Roberts on 01900 827800.
