On May 13, 2010, Timeraiser is coming to the Forest City. Spearheaded by the GenNext Committee of the United Way London & Middlesex, wheels are in motion to bring the popular volunteer fair/silent auction slash night-on-the-town to the City of London.

What is Timeraiser? Throw a volunteer fair, silent art auction and trendy London nightclub in a cup, shake it and yell Yahtzee! (er, Timeraiser!) You’ve got one of Canada’s most memorable, engaging and impactful civic engagement programs. Over the next few months, Timeraiser and GenNext will select and purchase original pieces from local artists. At the May 13th London Timeraiser, instead of money, individuals bid a number of hours he or she is willing to volunteer for an organization for the next twelve months. Once volunteers successfully complete their pledge, they can bring home their artwork as a reminder of their community service. 

Timeraisers have been hosted in six cities across Canada. Their numbers speak volumes about civic impact. Over seven years, Timeraiser has generated more than 51,000 volunteer hours, invested $300,000 in the careers of emerging artists, engaged 5,000 Canadians to pick up a cause and worked with 250+ charitable organizations. Not to mention a $2.20 return in social good for every $1.00 invested. Needless to say, GenNext is extremely excited to partner with Timeraiser to bring this amazing event to London. It promises to be an impressive collaboration since both aim to engage people in their 20s and 30s to be more actively involved in their community. More specific to GenNext is their aim to build relevant, innovative and compassionate connections that ensure the next generation of leaders are engaged — and remain engaged — in their communities through the United Way.

Let this be a call to artists, agencies, sponsors and potential volunteers from London and the surrounding area; become a part of London’s first Timeraiser by visiting www.timeraiser.ca and www.gennextuw.ca  Leave your civic foot print in the Forest City - save the date (May 13th!) and stay tuned for more details!

Written by: Amy Agulay