Rotary Online Auction: A Legacy of Fundraising Success
The Rotary Online Auction continues its two-decade legacy as a hugely successful fundraiser for District 7080 clubs! This collaborative event, which began over 25 years ago, has consistently provided a significant way for participating Rotary clubs to raise funds for both their local community initiatives and international projects.
The auction initially began as a fun, collaborative project that featured Rotarians selling items on television through a broadcast via local cable provided Cogeco in Halton, before the auction evolved into an online-only format after nearly a decade of initial success.
Reflecting on Last Year's Success 
The 2024 auction proved to be another massive achievement. The collaborating clubs raised an impressive $124,400, with those funds being shared amongst the clubs to support their local community initiatives and international projects.
The event saw high engagement across the district:
There were 809 registered bidders.
A total of 6,097 bids were placed.
Out of 1,218 total items, 1,115 items were successfully sold.
The success was a true team effort. The 2024 participating clubs included the Rotary Clubs of Oakville Trafalgar, Oakville, Oakville West, Kitchener, Milton, Mississauga, Burlington, and Georgetown. It took many volunteer Rotarians to organize and manage the event, especially those who enabled the wide variety of quality items by simply asking for a donation.
Focusing on the Future
The generous spirit continued after the bidding ended. Winning bidders were able to pick up their items locally as generous businesses in Oakville, Kitchener, Milton, and Georgetown provided warehouse space to accumulate, sort, and distribute the 1,115 items that were sold.
As this annual fundraiser evolves, different clubs choose to join or leave. The auction continues to attract new participants, with the Rotary Clubs of Caledon and Cambridge Preston Hespeler having recently joined the collaboration.
Motivated by past achievements, Rotarians are already setting ambitious goals, challenging themselves to better last year’s results and setting a target of $150,000 for the next Rotary Online Auction. The next auction runs November 1st - 15th 2025.
For Rotarians and community members who wish to learn more about this successful annual tradition, please do not hesitate to check out the website at rotaryonlineauction.ca or email us.