Part volunteer fair, part silent auction and part night on the town, London and Middlesex Timeraiser is sure to be an unforgettable evening. It’s a silent auction with a twist, and ticket sales start today.

For $20 and a recommended 20 hour volunteer pledge, guests will be able to network with other GenNexters (people in their 20s and 30s), meet with different local agencies and match their skills to agency needs.  Once guest and agency matches are made, guests are eligible to bid on artwork. The big twist is, rather than bidding money, guests bid volunteer hours. The winning bidder will have 12 months to complete their pledge before bringing the artwork home.  Once the auction is over and the total hours raised are announced, the party continues as we celebrate the contribution to our community. 

GenNext, is proud to host this exciting event, in partnership with Pillar Nonprofit Network, London Arts Council and London Community Foundation on Thursday, May 13 at Club Mansion (89 King Street, doors open at 7 p.m.). Tickets can be purchased online at: www.timeraiser.ca/en/1st-London.

“This is going to be a great event; it’s the first of its kind in London and Middlesex,” says Christina Fox, Communications Chair, GenNext Advisory Committee. “It’s a great way for 20s and 30s to get involved and engaged in our community. Through Timeraiser, London GenNexters are making our community a better place, and if their bid is higher than other bids, they also get to take home an original piece of art.”

With 21 different agencies participating in the GenNext Timerasier, there is sure to be a volunteer opportunity that suits everyone.  This year’s local agencies include: AIDS Committee of London, Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex, Boys & Girls Club of London, Canadian Youth Business Foundation, Childreach, CNIB, Dale Brain Injury Services, Frontier College, Future Possibilities for Kids, GenNext / United Way of London & Middlesex, Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre, London & District Distress Centre, London Fringe Festival, London Public Library, Pillar Nonprofit Network, ReForest London, Sari Therapeutic Riding, Thames Talbot Land Trust, The Grand Theatre, Youth Opportunities Unlimited.

Key dates:
Kick off night – April 15, 2010
Not open to the public (media are welcome to attend), this night is a meet and great for artists, sponsors and media. This pre-emptive night will showcase the artwork and what is to come at the Timeraiser event.

About Timeraiser
Timeraiser was conceptualized in 2002 in response to a group of friends wondering how it could be easier to find meaningful, relevant volunteer opportunities.  Now, 7 years and 17 Timeraisers later, this grass-roots initiative has flourished into a well-known, annual event that operates in 7 cities across Canada. Timeraiser has also played the role of catalyst by bringing the emerging concepts of community development to the audience of volunteers and agencies that participate in Timeraiser. Learn more at www.timeraiser.ca.               

About GenNext
United Way of London & Middlesex launched GenNext as an initiative to engage young people in their 20s and 30s to be more actively involved in shaping our community.  GenNext’s mission is to mobilize our generation to make a positive impact in our own community though awareness, involvement and giving.  Learn more at www.gennextuw.ca.

About United Way
The largest non-government funder of social services in London and Middlesex County, United Way creates real, lasting change to improve the quality of life of all people in our community. United Way identifies and understands the root causes of social issues; brings together research, experts and resources; initiates and invests in the most needed and proven programs; and develops leaders and skills to strengthen the non-profit sector. Learn more at www.uwlondon.on.ca.

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For more information, please contact:
Johanna Mesjarik
Communications Coordinator, United Way of London & Middlesex
519.438.1723 ext. 346  
United Way cell: 519-318-1200
or
Christina Fox
Communications Chair, GenNext Advisory Committee
519.661.2111 ext. 88671
cfox8uwo [dot] ca