​Bloom and bid: a fun fund-raiser you’ll dig!

The Bruce Botanical Food Gardens are once again bringing the community together with their annual on-line auction fund-raiser. This year's goal is to $3,500–$4,000 to help support operations, children’s workshops, and hands-on teaching programs.

The auction officially opens Nov. 6 at 8 a.m. and runs through to Nov. 9 at 8 p.m., with a link available through the food gardens' website; and social media at: www.facebook.com/events.

Each year, generous residents and local businesses from across Kincardine, Ripley, and surrounding areas, donate a wide variety of goods to make the fund-raiser shine. Expect to find everything from handcrafted driftwood decor made from Lake Huron beach finds, to meat baskets, homemade treats, and unique gift sets – all perfect for early holiday shopping or birthday gifts.

Two dedicated volunteers help co-ordinate and handle item pick-ups, while two board members take care of posting heartfelt thank-you messages, recognizing donors and bidders for their support.

This year, the food gardens have moved the auction to Zeffy, a new on-line platform that’s simple to use! Bidders can browse listings, make their bids, and even share links to encourage friends and family to join the fun!

The garden team encourages everyone to spread the word far and wide - every share helps make the garden grow!

Funds raised from the auction directly support community programming – from children’s education workshops to seasonal growing projects that promote food security, sustainability, and hands-on learning.

Each dollar raised helps the garden grow stronger, offering programs that teach, nourish, and connect to the community.

As a volunteer and writer for the food gardens, I’ve seen first-hand how much heart and effort go into keeping this place thriving. Every seed planted, every workshop taught, and every smile shared with a child learning where food comes from - it all matters deeply.

This auction isn’t just about bidding on beautiful items. It’s about building community, supporting education, and nurturing a space that continues to feed both body and spirit.

From all of us at the food gardens, and from me and our former manager and volunteer, Aprille Fox, personally, thank you, in advance, for your kindness, support, and contributions in every bid, donation, and shared post.