– Written by Graydon Leigh –

　Want an opportunity to engage in and positively affect your community?

Want to win cool prizes for dedicating your time to an array of great causes?

Volunteer Victoria is very proud to sponsor the Volunteering with Benefits auction at the Victoria Marriott Hotel on Friday, May 11th from 7:30-9:30pm. Hosted by UnitedNOW, the event educates and promotes volunteerism within the community. It asks attendees to volunteer their time-as opposed to money-for a chance to earn some very handsome rewards.

This year’s prizes include passes to events and establishments including:

– Earl’s Chef’s Table
– A guided tour and tasting of the Merridale Estate Cidery
– Gift certificates to the Sapphire Day Spa
– Tickets to Ballet Victoria recitals
– The opportunity to hit the links at the Cordova Bay Golf course

Also on the docket are a number of Mentorship Lunches. They offer volunteers the chance to dine exclusively with a community leader. Last year the Chief Financial Officer of Camosun College, Peter Lockie, provided words of wisdom to one outstanding individual.

Volunteering with Benefits aims to surpass the 175 hours it received from its last auction. In its third year, the event has taken five months of extensive planning. I had a chance to interview a founding member, Rupinder Prihar, who graciously provided me with the information found in this blog. Her passion for the event was evident in the emphatic way she spoke about it. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and the alternative method used by UnitedNOW to reward volunteers for their selflessness is something to be excited about.

A very diverse crowed attended the previous two auctions; people from all walks of life are treated to a night of entertainment, education, and philanthropy. The event will feature drink specials and a $15 dollar cover charge.

The price is a steal considering where it goes. UnitedNOW is a non-profit organization that promotes awareness, understanding, and involvement in the community. The event provides an opportunity for other volunteer organizations to showcase themselves to a wide audience. Groups including Big Brother/Big Sister, Saanich Recreation, and Our Place will have booths that provide attendees the opportunity to participate in humanitarian causes.

Rupinder told me about a fun and innovative game attendees may play, enabling them to qualify for other prizes. Participants will ask booth attendants questions, whose answers will provide a password that can “unlock” these rewards.

Take advantage of a unique opportunity to trade your time for prizes that reward you for positively affecting your community. Most people can afford to donate their time to a greater cause; not everyone can donate money.

Attend the Time Raiser and have yourself a fantastic evening! A special thanks to Rupinder Prihar for her contribution to this piece and the United Way Board for backing such an original idea!

Please visit http://uwgv.ca/youth/united-now-council/ for more information.