Oak Bay Parent Owned Preschool honours local heroes while raising its profile and a cash boost all in one online swoop.
“We decided to try a new monthly online auction this year to help keep our supporters and the community excited and engaged in our co-op preschool,” said Lisette Hay, fundraising chair.
“We’ve increased our online presence, primarily on Facebook, since we’ve found that to be an effective resource for attaining new enrolment and spreading the news of our happenings.”
They hold a silent auction each spring, and found the most popular auction items are experiential.
With that in mind, organizers decided to kickoff monthly auctions this fall honouring our community heroes in Oak Bay.
“All of these community heroes were extremely eager to help us and generous offering their time and ideas,” Hay said. “They’re just really a great group of people and we’re lucky to be a part of Oak Bay.”
The October auction Police Officer for a Day included a ride to school with Oak Bay Police Department and a tour.
This month features Breakfast in the Booth with mayor Nils Jensen. December includes a VIP tour for four children at Oak Bay Fire Department.
Proceeds go back into the preschool, from rent and utilities to crafts, toys and outdoor equipment.
The parent-owned preschool is run entirely on the volunteer work of the parents so all the money raised directly benefits the children and school.
Their 36th annual Christmas Tree Sale started last week. Those interested can preorder a Cowichan Valley Douglas Fir, five to eight-feet tall for $40.
“Those interested can preorder their trees now to Dec. 5 with pickup Dec. 10,” Hay said.
To offer an experience for the monthly online auction, or more information, email obpop.fundraisingcochair@gmail.com.
Visit www.oakbaypreschool.com for links to the Christmas tree ordering and the online auction.