A Coquitlam charity that helps B.C. children cope with the loss of a parent or sibling is back with its signature fundraiser.
The Charlene Reaveley Children's Charity Society (CRCCS) — named in memory of a Pinetree Secondary graduate and mother of four who was killed by a drunk driver in 2011 — is hosting its online auction between now and April 16.
Among the prizes include:
- a seven-night stay at a waterfront condo in Kihei, Maui
- a four-night getaway in Parksville
- an overnight stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort
- two tickets to see Shania Twain in concert
- private piano lessons
- a catered dinner in your home
- a photography package
- one month of unlimited yoga or Zumba
Jennifer Reaveley, Charlene's former sister-in-law, told the Tri-City News the last in-person gala was in 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
And, since then, the society has stayed with the online auction.
Last year's fundraiser brought in $30,000 for counselling services, a lending library for families in grief, bursaries for graduating students who have lost a parent/guardian and plan to enrol in post-secondary education, camps and toys.
But, for 2023, it’s is boosting its goal to $40,000 to meet demand as it receives no corporate or government support.
"We have seen an increase in the number of clients," said Jennifer Reaveley, a CRCCS director.
"The amount of applications that came in during [the pandemic] went up — in part because there’s more awareness about our organization but the drug crisis has really skyrocketed, too. There are a lot of families around the province that only have one parent now."
For more information, and to place a bid, you can visit CRCCS's online auction page.
