AN auction house which normally sells everything from used cars to confiscated property of criminals has overseen a virtual bidding war in aid of charities.
Family-owned Wilsons Auctions ran the inaugural 'at home' sale which broadcast in real time over the internet across mobiles, tablets and laptops on Friday night.
The 'Bid For Kindness' saw more than £45,000 raised through a wide range of lots put forward by celebrities, sporting superstars and charitable donors to raise funds for their charities of choice.
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Bidders tuned in from as far afield as Hong Kong and South Africa and all proceeds will be donated directly to the charities involved.
The lots ranged from signed sporting memorabilia to food and wine experiences, opportunities to receive virtual greetings from key sporting personalities and celebrities and custom pieces of artwork.
An Olympic gold-medallist Tag Heuer watch gifted to Lady Mary Peters in aid of the Mary Peters Trust sold for £1,200, while a two-night stay in the Eddie Irvine-owned Dalkey property - currently occupied by actor Matt Damon during the coronavirus lockdown - raised £2,400 for Mencap NI.
The idea came when it became clear how charities are suffering from cancelled fundraising activities at the same time as facing increased demand for their services due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Rebecca Wilson, director and auctioneer, said they wanted to "try and support in some way people in need through this terrible time".
"We felt that by holding this charity auction it would help bring in much needed funds. We are delighted with the support that has been offered and donations being given."
She said they were "overwhelmed by the generosity demonstrated by our bidders on Friday night".
"At a time when everyone is feeling the financial strain of the Covid-19 crisis, we are so grateful to everyone who gave generously.”
British and Irish charities benefitting from the auction include The NHS Foundation, NSPCC, Marie Curie, Mencap Northern Ireland, Cancer Fund for Children, Northern Ireland Hospice, Mary Peters Trust, Marie Keating Foundation and The Irish Guards Benevolent Fund, among others.
Former Ireland rugby international Tommy Bowe and TV personality Eamonn Holmes are among supporters.
"This awful virus has effected our lives in so many ways, and it’s also effected the ability of so many charities to be able to raise funds and do the work that they do," Mr Holmes said.
"That's why taking part in this auction is so important and so valued."
Members of the public and potential donors are encouraged to put forward their own contributions to benefit their charities of choice for future sales at abidforkindness@wilsonsauctions.com.
Online listings will be on Wilsons Auctions on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn pages and www.wilsonsauctions.com
